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Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh, India is predominantly inhabited by the Bhil and Bhilala tribes, who face high rates of illiteracy, poverty, and social inequalities. The district is highly prone to droughts and has degraded wastelands. However, the women of Jhabua make ethnic bamboo products, dolls, bead jewelry, and other items, which are popularly sold all over the country.

Jhabua district has an area of 3,782 sq. km and is divided into five tehsils and six community development blocks. The 2011 census reported a population of 1.02 million, with a density of 285 people per sq. km. The average literacy rate is 44.45%, and the sex ratio is 989 females per 1000 males. In 2011, 91.02% of the population was rural, and 85.6% belonged to the tribal community.

The Bhil tribe can be broadly divided into three classes: hill Bhils, kothuls, and Turvees. Hill Bhils were under different naiks or chiefs and were turbulent and dangerous, while kothuls were scattered in villages and held the position of jagalyas or watchmen. The Turvees were originally Hindus and converted to Islam during the reign of Aurangzeb, and were troublesome to deal with.

In summary, Jhabua is a predominantly tribal district in Madhya Pradesh facing high levels of poverty, illiteracy, and social inequalities. The women of Jhabua make popular ethnic products, and the Bhil tribe is divided into three classes.

Indian Council of Social Science Research.

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