The Baiga inhabit the Chhattisgarh plateau, a vast landlocked plain that has been cradle for many of India's indigenous people. For a people who have been marginalized by the march of industrial man, the Baiga, ironically, dwell in a region that is right in the center of India.
The Baiga of Madhya Pradesh captures the unique culture and wisdom of this resilient tribe, the Baiga, who worship Mother Earth, and consider themselves her servants
Originally leading the lives of nomadic hunters and gatherers, the tribe has gradually undergone a complete conversion at the hands of government, missionaries and legislation into settled agriculturists. The practice of Bewar, known to us as slash and burn agriculture, which came into being as a result is dwelt upon in the film at length. The film also explores the legend surrounding this practice, bringing to light the distinct traditional beliefs of the tribe.
The film also captures the colour, festivity and flavour of a local tribal wedding.
The film culminates with a ceremony marking the tenth day of demise of a villager with the ambient song expressing the belief that – when death is so inevitable why cry, one should drink and dance, worship the Gods and eventually catch a fish with bare hands and be blessed for holding the dead man's soul. As the body fades into the twilight of death, the soul springs eternal to life in another form.
This is the wisdom of the Baigas, rarely seen and so beautifully expressed in all the life ways of a culture.