Rajuar

Abstract

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) has undertaken an initiative for producing Photo Handbooks on the tribes of Odisha including the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The present handbook is the photographic representation of the socio-cultural life of the tribal community known as Rajuar concluding with various developmental changes occurring in their present way of life. The Rajuar also known as Rajual and Rajwar in Odisha is mainly concentrated in Mayurbhanj and Baleswar districts. Some of the authorities are of opinion that the tribe is probably an offshoot of the Bhuyan tribe. Rajuars feel proud of identifying themselves as "Nagabansi" as they believe that they are the descendants of 'Nagabansa' (cobra dynasty). They are known for their simplicity, honesty and co-operative attitudes. As they are the immigrants from Chhotanagpur to Odisha, the language they speak are a mixture of Hindi, Bengali and Odia. However, they are conversant with regional language Odia now. They are more influenced by non-tribal people. They are conversant with the regional language "Odia". They generally live in multi-ethnic villages. Ma Mahisashuri is their village deity residing at one end of the village. They also worship various Hindu gods and goddesses and observe various festivals. Traditionally they lived on shifting cultivation but now they are settled agriculturists. They also depend on hunting and fishing for their livelihood. Some of them also do the business of pounded rice.Now-a-days due to impact of modernization, industrializations as well as various developmental programmes, the Rajuar are in the process development. This change has been reflected in their cultural, social and economic life.It is hoped that this book will be helpful to the researchers, administrators, planners and also laymen who have keen interest to know about the socio-cultural life of our tribal communities.