Kamar is one of the scheduled tribes living in the hills, valleys and forests of central India. They are primarily settled in
Rewa District of
Madhya Pradesh. Some of them are also found in
Chhattisgarh and
West Bengal.
The tribe members speak a language known as 'Kamar'. Traditionally, they are military servants. Farming, collecting forest produce, hunting and fishing are other areas of activity. For extra income, many also engage in basketry throughout the entire year.
Kamars are divided into a number of clans or gots. The members marry within the same clan (extended family). Cross cousin marriages are also permitted.
The tribe members build two-roomed mud huts. One of the rooms is for storage and for the household god. Most houses have a shed for socializing and a bari (small vegetable garden), as well as a separate cattle shed.
Virtuall all Kamars are Hindus. Each of their homes has a family god in the form of iron chains decorated with peacock feathers. Tertali is a famous folk dance performed by these tribes.
