The Bhuiya are a Hindu tribal found in North India, and those in Uttar Pradesh have scheduled caste status . They are also known as Roy.[1]
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The Bhuiya are one of the most widespread tribal grouping in North India, their territory extending from southern Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal. There exact connection with the neighbouring Biaga tribe is uncertain, but according to some traditions, both communities have a common origin. They are said to be one of the many Dravidian tribal groupings found in the Vindhya region, that was pushed further into inaccessible territory by invading Indo-Aryans. In Uttar Pradesh, the Bhuiya are divided into two endogamous sub-groups, the Roy and Raghuvanshi. These two groups are further divided into exogamous clans such as the Tirvah, Maghsiya, Dandwar, Maharwar and Mahathek.[1]
As of 2010[update], the Bhuiya are mainly settled agriculturists, but historically they were hunter gatherers. Many still collect roots and tubers from the forest. The Bhuiya are now Hindu, but still have many folk beliefs. Their tribal deity is Dihwar.[1]
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