Kokna (tribe)

Kokna-Kokni tribal society is an important society of ancient primitive culture and its social, economic, cultural and political life is characteristic. Considering the total population of the Kokni tribe, it can be seen that Kokni is the major tribe in Maharashtra. Although there are few historical references available regarding the origin of tribe from socio-cultural point of view, their current social customs and cultural practices confirm their primitiveness. Interest and improvements in agriculture has resulted in prosperity and social stability of the tribe. Apart from this, the social status of the Koknas has remained high due to land ownership. Due to their high socio-economic status, the Kokna tribes consider themselves superior to other tribes. == Religion and cultural life ==

The animistic religious beliefs and practices practiced by the tribals are also seen in the Kokna tribe i.e. religion is the belief in supernatural powers and divine beings. Along with God of water, God of fire and God of animals, the Kokna also believe in demons. Koknas are mostly nature worshipers. Therefore, their deities and places of worship are also subject to the nature. Since the Kokna has been settled in agriculture for many years, they believe that rain is the supreme god. Their deities are based on daily life relationships such as 'Dhantari' which gives grain, 'Gavkari' which is used for farm work and 'Kansari' which makes a living. Worship rituals are performed to please the deities at the beginning of any auspicious work or financial activity. Since nature is the foundation of the socio-economic life of the Konkan, their conceptions of religion and theology have also developed on the basis of nature. ==References==