Ho people

The Ho people are a tribe of people belonging to the Indian state of Jharkhand. They are the fourth most numerous scheduled tribe in Jharkhand after Santals, Oraons, and Mundas, and constitute around 10.5 percent of the total population of the Scheduled Tribes, numbering around 700,000 (total in the state) in the 2001 census. Although not mentioned in the census highlights Odisha or West Bengal small groups could be present, as the territory they inhabit in Jharkhand borders these two states. According to an American publication, total number of people speaking the Ho language was 1,077,000 in 1997. There were 200,000 people speaking the language in Orissa.

History

Starting from the period between the 9th and 12th centuries, copper was smelted in many parts of old Singhbhum district. It is believed that many immigrants entered Singhbhum from Manbhum in the 14th century or earlier. When the Hos entered old Singhbhum, they overcame the Bhuiyas, who were then inhabitants of the forest country. In the latter half of the eighteenth century, the Hos fought several wars against the Rajas of Chota Nagpur and Mayurbhanj to retain their independence. As far as is known, the Muslims left them alone. Although the area was formally claimed to be a part of the Mughal Empire, neither the Mughals nor the Marathas, who were active in the surrounding areas during the decline of the Mughals, ventured into the area.