Dongria Kandha

Abstract

In the remote mountainous wilderness of the Eastern Ghats region of South Odisha lives a fascinating Kuvi-speaking tribe called, the Dongria Kandha who are a primitive section of the Kandha numerically the most preponderant tribe of Odisha. They inhabit the lofty Niyamgiri hill ranges in the districts of Rayagada and Kalahandi. Endowed with rich cultural distinctions, they occupy a very special place in the heart of Anthropologists. One can see in the Niyamgiri hills vast stretches of land in the hill slopes under banana and pineapple plantations amidst jackfruit trees which the master hands of the Dongria Kandha have grown. Expert horticulturists as they are, the Dongria Kandha have proved that the skill, ingenuity and perseverance of Man can tame any rugged terrain without the application of any improved technology. To a stranger the Dongria Kandha strike as a very important tribal community for their simplicity, quickness in observation and sensibility. In almost all activities the tribesmen reveal a corporate life. They help each other in economic activities, and drink, dance and sing all in congregation. Religious ceremonies and festivals are performed communally. Crime is rare and adultery is uncommon and the individual behaviour is marked by honesty and truthfulness. Ideally hospitable, exceptionally candid and remarkably simple, the Dongrias live amidst Nature. To the Dongria the nature is the greatest impeller, the scenery around forming the grand arena where the human drama of vicissitudes of the mortal life is staged.They have been identified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and two Micro Projects are functioning for their development. Changes are taking place in their traditional life style after development interventions being made by the Micro Projects and other agencies.A photographic presentation of the life and work of this important tribal community will not only serve the academic interest but also the curiosity of inquisitive tourists, laymen and development practitioners concerned for development of the tribe. In this book both aesthetic and humanistic interests have been interwoven to present the thought-ways and work-ways of a people who lead a life of indigence and relative deprivation in the midst of plenty.