India 2016 (Odisha) - Tribes of Odisha
More than 20% of the population of Odisha are adivasi ("original people"/indigenous people). The Constitution of the Indian Republic from 1950 uses the term scheduled tribe (ST): In Odisha 62 tribes (all India 744 tribes in 22 states) are recognized by the constitution as ST. They are granted special rights as guaranteed representation in legislature, civil service and higher education. The idea is to make up for suppression and discrimination of the past - especially under British rule - and thus to help improve the living standard of the underprivileged.
In the political system of India this principle is called Reservation and is also used on Scheduled Casts (SC - 17% of Indias population according to census 2011) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Kondha Tribe
Villages of Baligurha and Bataguda near Phulbani in Kandhamal District
Village of Baligurha (Desia Kondh)
The Kondha is the largest tribe of Odisha in terms of population (about 1 million). There are several distinctive communities within the Kondha people like the Desia Kondh, Kutha Kanda, Dungaria Kondh and others. In Kandhamal district around the town of Phulbani the Kondha tribes account for more than 60% of the population.
The native language spoken by the Kondh tribes is called Kui.
Characteristic for the women of the Khond tribe are their point style tattoos and often an impressive number of ear- and nose rings. But today many of the young women chose to defy tradition and at least decrease the amount of tattoos and jewellery.
Village of Bataguda (Kutha Kanda)
The Tribes live as farmers and cultivate rice, all sorts of lentils and vegetables. Especially the clans who live in the forests and hill areas sometimes practice a slash and burn cultivation. Traditionally the men even today regularly hunt in the forests. Whereas the women are responsible for the household, help to bring in the harvest and sell the products at the market.
Tribes of Dongria and Dunguna Kondh
Weekly Market in Chandili in Rayagada District
In the tribal areas there are several weekly markets.
One of the more important markets takes place at the small village of Chandili about one hour drive north of Rayagada.
At market day people of the surrounding villages come together - often after a long walk - to sell their products and do their weekly shopping.
But the markets also have an important social relevance. Especially the women often put on their best clothes and jewelleries.
Hindu Temple near Chandili
Weekly Market in Onukudeli in Koraput District
Tribes of Bonda and Godaba
At the most southern tip of Odisha - almost at the border to Andra Pradesh - is the location of another well-attended weekly market. Here the market is mostly frequented by people of the Bonda and Godaba Tribes (and tourists...).
Both tribes live in remote hill areas of Malkangiri district near the border to Andra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. In contrast to the Kondha tribes the Bonda are very small in number - about 12.000 people only. But neverthless they are a proud people and have their own language.
The society is a matriarchal one. The boys are very young, about 12 years, when they are married and their bride is usually about 5 years older.
Some communities of the Bonda, several thousand people in number, are said to have almost no connection to the "outside" world and thus probably are the most isolated group in Indian society. Live expectancy is very low and poverty a serious issue - to some sources 25% of the households are heavily indebted. The literacy rate is less than 10%.
Also a very unfortunate combination: Quick and hot temper and the consumption of high spirits like rice wine or palm liquor: Better keep away from the part of market where liquor is sold...
Lanjira Soara Tribe
Village of Puttasing in Rayagada District
The Soara Tribe in the South of Odisha is almost at the verge to vanish. They are dwindling in numbers and the young people more often do not adher to the old ways and customs of living.
The area of Puttasing is one of the last strongholds where there are still larger communities.
The Soara live of shifting and settling agriculture. But what makes them special - and vulnerable - is their shamanic culture. When a shaman enters the state of trance she (usually a shaman is a woman) functions as a medium to the underworld. Their religious believes are based on a transcendental world of spirits.
In recent history christian missionaries succesfully tried to convert the Soara. Today the most serious threat to their culture comes from Hinduism.
