First marriage, then kids - that’s the socially accepted norm. But this trend is reversed among an endangered tribe in Chhattisgarh.

Members of the Pahari Korba tribe go a step further by separating, if they so wish, even after having a few children.

The tribe, found in the state’s Jashpur, Surguja and Korba districts, has a population of about 33,000 and a literacy figure below four per cent. Away from mainstream society, these tribal people have neither met a doctor nor do they have a single rupee in deposits. They traditionally live in hilly terrains and mountainous pockets and cultivate poor quality rice.

Kadam Jharia, a village about 45 km from the industrial town of Korba, has 25 Pahari Korba families with 110 members.

“Pahari Korba boys hunt for their brides normally after they turn 15. They then start living with the girl with her parents’ consent, till they agree either for marriage or separation,” said Jakharam, 50, a senior member of the village.

Incidentally, Jakharam is the only one in this village to have crossed 50 years of age.

“Often the live-in relationships result in kids. We then decide whether we want to get married or go separate ways. If separation is decided upon, then the boy returns to his parents,” Vaisakhu Ram said.

But the system of sex before marriage is waning due to growing contacts with urban societies. But villagers say it will be some time before there’s total abolition of pre-marital sex.

A majority of couples have more than seven kids including some born before marriage. “We believe in larger families,” said 22 year-old Sukhpati, who is expecting her sixth kid in January.

Despite Pahari Korbas’ high birth rate, their population is declining, because of a high child morality rate and total absence of healthcare facilities.

“Hardly any of us cross 45 years of age. Most fall prey to cholera or jaundice,” Sukhmati, 24, said.

Officials admit that despite large investment, the condition of the tribals has not changed.

Korba collector Gaurav Dwivedi said: “The government has spent massive amounts on persuading Pahari Korbas to come down from hills and live in government-built houses where health and education facilities are available.

“But all efforts have proved futile. They run away from government houses and resettle in their traditional areas.”