Binjhal

Abstract

With the passage of time human societies undergo change and the old ways gives way to newones. The time tested old ways needs to be properly documented and preserved for the future use before they are lost in antiquity. The tribals living in remote areas located on mountainslopes, valleys, rain forests, desert fringes etc eke out their living with much difficulties and hazards atthe expenses of their body energy.The Photo Hand book on the Binjhal, one of the 62 Tribal Groups of Odisha, is the outcome of an anthropological study reflecting the tribe's physical surroundings, ecology, society, culture and development. The Binjhals are a small tribal group, simple and innocent in nature. They are largely concentrated in undivided Sambalpur district. Once upon a time, they were shifting cultivators but now they are settled agriculturists. Besides, they depend upon hunting and gathering, fishing and daily wage for their subsistence. The life and culture of the Binjhal revolve mostly around fishing, agriculture and daily wage labour. They are very faithful and committed to their society. They have their culturally established norms bywhich they live with social harmony and have belief and devotion for supernatural beings. During theirleisure time they enjoy their life by song,dance or merry making. Persistent efforts by the Government have brought about development of the Binjhals. Their youngsters are happy as development provides them better opportunities toearn more and to enjoy life. Now theeducated youths are quite conscious of their democratic rights, duties and responsibilities. Even some Binjhals have held political posts also. Though they are advancing with time, they still love their habitat, community, culture, traditions and customs. This photographic documentation of their life style is a part of the series on the Tribes of Odisha. It is hoped that the eager readers will find this literature useful fortheir quest into the tribal world of Odisha.