During the 1700's, the Gond lost all power to the Maratha kings. In the following century of Maratha rule, all of the Gond territory was overrun and the people were completely dispossessed of their power. Today, the Khirwar live among the many Hindi tribes in the Surguja district at the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Some speak the local Hindi dialect in addition to their own language, Khirwari. Most of the Khirwar are farmers, using bulls to plow their fields.
Rice is the most important crop, although other grains are also grown.
Since the Khirwar do not make their own farm equipment, they are dependent on nearby villages for supplies like earthenware, iron tools, and carts. Such items can be obtained in the weekly markets. Rice is traded for necessary goods or services. Khirwar society consists of exogamous clan units. This means that they do not marry within the same clan.