Paudi Bhuyan

Abstract

The Bhuyan is one of the most prominent and numerically preponderant tribe widely distributed in different parts of Odisha. This historically well-known community represents varying socio-cultural stages of development. The Paudi Bhuyan is one of the major sections of the Bhuyan tribe which has been identified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the state.This photo handbook is an account reflecting Paudi Bhuyan's environment, lifestyle and culture. The Paudi Bhuyans are very simple, sober and hardworking people mostly found in Bhuyan Pirha of Keonjhar district and Bonai mountainous areas of Sundergarh and Angul districts. They eke out their living by slash and burn type of cultivation and also paddy cultivation.They have an established social control system and always devoted to their innumerable gods,goddess, deities, spirits and unseen power. According to them one can lead happy life by keeping good relation with benevolent and malevolent spirits. The Paudi Bhuyan maintains symbiotic relationship with the environment and neighboring ethno-cultural groups. They have greater confidence on their hard work and will-power.They don't work solely for economic benefits rather enjoy their work and derive pleasure out of it. Even today shifting cultivation' provides them minimum food security and their knowledge and skill in this regard is more scientific.They observe a series of annual feasts and festivals prescribed by their forefathers. Low yield, population pressure, depletion of forest, fluctuation in the environment and natural calamities are some of the main factors which hinder their holistic development. They have strong hold on their natural and human resource potential; however,there is distinctive division of labour. Paudi Bhuyan village is a closely knit social entity with huge measure of cohesion and continuity. The village in Paudi Bhuyan society is never an isolated entity rather it forms a segment of wider inter village organization called Pirha. Now, youths of present generation and educated ones are very much conscious of their democratic rights and responsibilities. Their customary laws and traditional council are strong enough for resolving disputes ensuring right justice. There is continuous approach to bring sustainable development to Paudi Bhuyan through PBDA Khuntgaon in Sundergarh district, PBDA Jamardih in Angul district and PBDA Rugudakudar in Deogardh district. It is hoped that this book would be of immense help to the Paudi Bhuinya lovers, tourists, researchers as well as general readers.