Sexuality in Muria (Tribal) Ghotul: UPSC anthropology

Ghotul is an essential part of Muria and Gond tribal culture in the Bastar area of Chhattisgarh as well as in the neighboring regions of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Ghotul is a religious and social Center for Gond tribal society and is a village dormitory for unmarried girls and boys. The young adults here can date, practice the sex before the marriage with one or different partners, learn the culture and legends of their tribe.

It is a place for youths, an independent and autonomous “children’s republic” as described by Verrier Elwin.

History of Ghotul

• As per the tribal legend – Lingo, their brave ancestor and the highest deity built the initial Ghotul and the founder of this culture.
• In Ghotul, the boys are termed as Cheliks whereas the girls are called Motiaris, the leaders of Ghotul here are called Siredar and Belosa respectively.
• Here, the young members are taught various lessons such as discipline, cleanliness and hard work.
• The boys and girls are also taught the idea to serve the public, take the pride in the appearance and respect their seniors and themselves.

Importance of Ghotul

• Ghotul has an important social sanction in the society and is one of the major social institutions.
• In the tribal society, none of the important social function can happen without the active participation of the members of Ghotul.
• The boy members act as acolytes during the festivals whereas the girl members as bridesmaids at the time of weddings.
• The participation of Ghotul members continue till the death ceremonies in their society.
• In Gond tribe society – it is a holy place associated with their supreme deity Lingo and here the members can commit no wrongs, it is a residence embedded in and cherished by the greater socio-religious site of the Gonds.

Sexuality in Ghotul

• In Muria tribal culture, the young members are sent to the Ghotul. The dormitories of mixed sex youths.
• Here the youths are expected to live in closely and engage in the activities of sexup to the inter courses. Group sex is not allowed in the Ghotul.
• In some places the members are discouraged for emotionally attachment to the partners and are punished for sleeping together with same partner for more nights
• However at some Ghotul, adolescents are encouraged for monogamous relations.

Dances and activities in Ghotul

• While staying at the Ghotul, there are various dances and cultural activities performed by the girls and boys.
• These cultural activities are done to build discipline, impress the partners and showing the hard work.

Reasons for Deterioration of the institution: 

• Education and new ideas 
• Migration 
• Change in value system 
• westernisation and christianity 

Q. Tribal Dormitories 

Q. Social change among Indian tribes 

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