Paroja

Abstract

In south Odisha they are well known as Paraja, Parja or Poroja- a localized version of the Odia term Praja that literally means the common people, i.e. subjects as distinct from the former ruling chiefs called the Raja or the Zamindar in the pre-independence period. A legendary tradition of the tribe says that formerly the Rajas and the Prajas lived like brothers. Later while the former took to luxury and comforts like riding horses, the latter accepted the hardship of carrying burdens. Another meaning of the term Paraja in Odia language is the tenant (peasant) or Royat. They say that their original name is bastaria as they have migrated from Bastar area of Madhya Pradesh. They are a major Scheduled Tribe of Odisha and are also found in Andhra Pradesh, undivided Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam. The tribe inhabiting the hills and valleys of southern Odisha with the largest chunk found in Koraput district followed by Nabrangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and Rayagada districts has its largest concentration in Odisha which they regard as their homeland. Their mother tongue Parji a Gondi tongue belonging to Dravidian family of languages. But now most of them living in undivided Koraput district speak the regional language called Desia . Their socio-cultural features have many commonalities with the neighbouring tribes i.e, the Gond, the Kondh and the Gadaba. They are in general, strong, stout and hard working. Compared to other tribal communities, they show some cultural differences, especially in respect of their settlement pattern, dress and ornaments, economic life, belief and worship, manners, customs and folk traditions. They are simple, friendly and hospitable, but like to remain aloof from the people of other communities as they are shy by nature. Socially, they are divided into two broad subdivisions i.e., Bada Paroja and Sana Paroja. The former section is more Hinduised and abstain from taking beef whereas the latter are still primitive and reportedly take beef. The Bada Paroja has sub-sections like Sodia Paroja, JhodiaParoja, Bada Jhodia Paroja, Penga Paroja and the latter is composed of endogamous groups like Konda Paroja or Bareng Jhodia Paroja, Selia Paroja or Chhelia Paroja who were goat breeders in the past. They are hill cultivators with expertise in settled cultivation and shifting cultivation which is the mainstay of their subsistence economy. This photographic documentation of their life style is a part of the series on the tribes of Odisha. It is hoped that it will be useful for all who are interested in the tribal culture of Odisha.