Manjhi tribes are found in the states of
Bihar,
West Bengal and
Assam. The word 'Manjhi' means 'Ferryman'. The people mainly speak Manjhi language, but also have fluency in Sadri and Bihari languages.
These dark-complexioned people earn their livelihood from agriculture. Major crops cultivated are rice, wheat and some varieties vegetables. For additional income, they make bamboo baskets. The tribe members live in houses, which are made of mud and roofed with tiles or thatch.
Manjhi men wear lungis (colorful pieces of cloth wrapped as skirts) and kurtas (knee-length, collar-less shirts), and women wear sarees. The members marry only within their own caste.
Manjhis worship Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and Kali. These animistic people also respect animals, plants and spirits.
