Bagata

Abstract

The cultural heritage of the age-old human society in this fast changing world will become amisnomer if it is not properly documented and preserved for the generation next. This photographicdocumentation on the life style of the Bagata is a part of the series on the Tribes of Odisha' published by SCSTRTI. The Bagata is one the 62 tribes living in Odisha who are very simple and tradition bound. This photo hand book on the Bagata is an outcome of anthropological study reflecting their way of life and living,ecology, culture and the process of change and development.Numerically a small tribal community, the Bagatas are largely concentrated in Sundergarh district. Thoughthey cite the historic origin of their community name as the devoted warriors (Bhaktas) of the then rulers,because of their occupational diversification at a later period, now, they identify themselves as one of the Telegu fresh water fishermen communities. As such, they have a very good socio-cultural interaction with the Odia fisher folks. They mostly depend on agriculture and fishing supplemented by wage earning and forest collections for their subsistence. They are very much community oriented and custom bound who faithfully obey theculturally established norms to maintain social harmony. During their leisure time they enjoy their life byperformance of traditional dance and songs in different festivals and the marriage ceremony. Both men andwomen take part in Karma folk dance and songs. As a small tribal group, the Bagatas have preserved their cultural identity. Although the Bagatas have come across the development process in these days, they have tried to make thebest of both the worlds by keeping the time tested values of their culture and at the same time accepting thechange that is inevitable. This has brought some noticeable transformation in their way of life.Hopefully this book would be ofimmense help for the tribal lovers, tourists, researchers andgeneral readers.