Gadaba

Abstract

Odisha has the unique distinction of housing as many as 62 Tribal Communities including 13 Primitive Tribal Groups spread over different parts of the state. The Culture of these Tribal Communities is extremely significant and they produce many beautiful arts and artifacts which have attracted tourists from different regions of the globe. Similarly, these Tribal Groups are unique for their colourful and vibrant as well as rhythmic dances which are culturally significant. Some of their fairs and festivals have rich cultural significance. But the pity is that the rich socio-cultural life and their performing arts are disintegrating fast. In view of this, there is an urgent need to document the rich culture and socio-economic life of these Tribal Communities (before they fully disintegrate and become history) so that government as well as non-government agencies can know about them and can take appropriate steps for reviving the rich cultural traditions and practices.Keeping the above facts in view, SCs and STs Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), Bhubaneswar, Odisha has taken initiative to document the Socio-Economic and Cultural life of all the 13 Primitive Tribal Groups as well as all the tribal communities of the State and come up with a Photo Handbook on each of these tribal communities. The Photo Handbooks already been published by the Institute have been highly appreciated by wide range of readers.This Photo Handbook on Gadaba tribe is the 6th in the series of Photo Hand Books proposed for publications by the Institute. Hopefully, this book will be extremely useful and appreciated bythe academicians, researchers, planners and lovers of tribal culture.