Oraons, regarded as the chief representative of the Dravidian races, mainly inhabits in
Maharashtra,
Bihar,
Orissa and
Madhya Pradesh. They depend upon the surrounding forest for their livelihood.
Most of the Oraon families are illiterate and very poor. They are usually found as short-stature, narrow-headed and broad nosed.
In their traditional system, Oraon girls are married at very early age. Their village head is called the Mahato, while the spiritual head is called the Pahan (village priest).
Oraons worship Devi Ma (Shakti) and also believe in witchcraft.
