Baiga people
Baiga women in traditional dress | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 552,495 (2011, census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India | |
| Madhya Pradesh | 414,526 |
| Chhattisgarh | 89,744 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 47,393 |
| West Bengal | 13,423 |
| Jharkhand | 3,583 |
| Bihar | 544 |
| Odisha | 338 |
| Maharashtra | 333 |
| Languages | |
| Chhattisgarhi • Hindi • Regional languages | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism • Islam • Tribal religion | |
The Baiga are an ethnic group found in central India primarily in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and in smaller numbers in the surrounding states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The largest number of Baiga is found in Baiga-chuk in Mandla district and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. They have sub-castes: Bijhwar, Narotia, Bharotiya, Nahar, Rai maina and Kath maina. The name Baiga means "sorcerer-medicine man".