The Ho are a tribal people who, along with their close neighbors the Munda, inhabit the Chota Nagpur plateau of southern Bihar state, India. They speak the Mundari language and number about 1.14 million (2000 est.).
The Ho consider themselves the aboriginal inhabitants of present-day Singhbhum, the southernmost district of Bihar. Some Ho are still forest dwellers, relying partly on hunting and gathering for subsistence; most, however, cultivate rice, cereals, and legumes.
The Ho have also become increasingly involved in the local cash economy, working as laborers in factories and mines. Their traditional religion involves spirit worship and divination.
In the 19th century the Ho fought fiercely for their freedom from British control. They resisted incursions in Singhbhum by Hindu and Muslim settlers as well. This resistance resulted in the establishment of a protected area for them, in which outsiders were legally excluded from obtaining land.
Partly because of the existence of this area, the Ho have been able to retain some of their cultural autonomy, although major changes have occurred under the impact of Christianity and industrialization.
The Ho consider themselves the aboriginal inhabitants of present-day Singhbhum, the southernmost district of Bihar. Some Ho are still forest dwellers, relying partly on hunting and gathering for subsistence; most, however, cultivate rice, cereals, and legumes.
The Ho have also become increasingly involved in the local cash economy, working as laborers in factories and mines. Their traditional religion involves spirit worship and divination.
In the 19th century the Ho fought fiercely for their freedom from British control. They resisted incursions in Singhbhum by Hindu and Muslim settlers as well. This resistance resulted in the establishment of a protected area for them, in which outsiders were legally excluded from obtaining land.
Partly because of the existence of this area, the Ho have been able to retain some of their cultural autonomy, although major changes have occurred under the impact of Christianity and industrialization.
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