Tribal ‘Dhas’ Tradition in Madhya Pradesh: Entire Village Builds a House in a Day Without Wages

Barwani, Madhya Pradesh: In the tribal regions of western Madhya Pradesh, a centuries-old tradition called ‘Dhas’ continues to demonstrate the spirit of collective labor and selfless service. Under this practice, villagers come together to assist in tasks such as house construction or crop harvesting without expecting any payment. Recently, in Kamod village, residents completed work that would normally take ten days in a single day.

The tradition is prevalent among the Barela, Bhil, and Bhilala communities, symbolizing cooperation and community bonding. In Kamod, villagers united to construct the roof of Bull Singh Arya’s house, preparing the bamboo framework and laying tiles in a single day. Normally, digging the foundation, erecting wooden pillars, and completing the roofing would take around ten days for an individual.

According to former mandi member Paras Ram Senani, the tradition follows a simple protocol: anyone needing help gives a day’s prior notice, after which the entire village, often 20 to 100 people, gathers to contribute labor. The host’s only responsibility is to arrange a communal meal to express gratitude.

This tradition is not limited to construction. It has been used effectively to repair homes destroyed by fire and for seasonal farming activities. Gajanand Brahmane, state secretary of a tribal rights organization, notes that tasks taking 15–20 days for an individual can be completed in one or two days through collective effort.

Historian Dr. Shivnarayan Yadav of Awadhesh Pratap Singh University emphasizes that in an era of mechanization, Dhas remains a unique example of social harmony, mutual support, and shared responsibility, showcasing the enduring depth of tribal culture.