Dal

Abstract

The Dal is numerically a small tribe of Odisha largely concentrated in Bolangir and Nuapada districts. By their myth and tradition, they consider themselves as a section of the Kandha tribe and speak the Dravidian tribal language "KUI" the language of the Kandhas of Kandhamal district. As their folklore says, in the remote past, some members of the tribe, went to the holy temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri and received sandal wood and tulsi leaf as a divine sanction to act as priest in the Hindu temples. Conforming to the tradition, members of the tribe act as priests (Pujari) in the famous Harishankar temple of Bolangir district. Though, like other tribes they are an endogamous community, their clan system is interesting. Traditionally, the tribe is divided into six exogamous clans but in course of time four of these have become endogamous. The Dals are agriculturists. In these days, they have been adopting modern techniques and inputs of agriculture for higher farm production. Their livelihood is supplemented by share cropping, animal husbandry, backyard plantation, brick and tile making. Their womenfolk play an important role in the economic activities of their family. They are non-vegetarians. At first the Dals were animists. Over period of time they have made a colourful religious journey from an indigenous aboriginal faith to Hinduism. The impact of planned change and modernization are visible in their life style. Still, in their socio-cultural system they have retained some basic tribal features which distinguish them from other ethnic groups.This photographic documentation of the life style of the Dal tribe is a part of the series on "The tribes of Odisha" published by SCSTRTI. It is hoped that this booklet would be useful for all those who are interested in the tribal culture of Odisha.