Panika is a Dravidian tribal group settled in the central India. They primarily reside in the districts of
Chhatarpur,
Datia,
Panna,
Rewa,
Satna,
Shahdol and
Tikamgarh, in
Madhya Pradesh. The tribes speak their own language known as Panika.
Agriculture is their main occupation. Rice, wheat, chick-peas, sorghum, corn, sesame and mustard seeds are major crops cultivated. The tribe members are experts in weaving colorful hand-made garments. They also work as village watchmen, forest guards, teachers and businessmen.
Panikas are organized into a number of groups. The major among are the Kabirpanthi (the largest group) and the Sakta. They live in ethnic villages alongside the Gond, the Baiga and the Pardhi. Marriage within the same clan is strictly prohibited. A number of village deities are worshipped.
