ANDHRA PRADESH ADIMAJATHULU

Abstract

According to 1971 census the tribal population is 16.57 lakhs and 33 scheduled tribes inhabiting in all districts in Andhra Pradesh state. the most of the tribal population around 8 lakhs living in agency tracts of Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, Khammam, Warangal, Adilabad, and Mahbubnagar districts. The Yerukula, Yanadi and Sugali etc tribes are living in plain areas of Andhra Pradesh state. tribes of Andhra Pradesh can be divided into four types based on their occupation and living style i.e Hunting and Gathering, Pastoralism, Shifting cultivation and Agriculture. This book provides the total of 33 scheduled tribals brief ethnographic profiles. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood among the tribals. Each society has devised and organized certain procedure which are called Rites de passage for this specific purpose and they include the various socio-religious ceremonies relating to birth, puberty, marriage, disease and death. Many a group have formulated reciprocal relationships while discharging their economic functions which ensure the smooth functioning of the economic system in the tribal villages. The Chenchu traditionally food gathering, and hunting tribe and they found in Nallamalai hills spread over in the districts of Kurnool, Prakasham, Guntur. Gadabas are predominantly found in tribal areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. At present Gadabas are cultivators and agricultural labourers. The Goudus are a pastoral tribe in the agency tracts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam districts. The Goudu tribe is divided into twelve endogamous sub-divisions which are further divided into exogamous clans. Jatapus are an acculturated and teluguised section of Khond tribe. The traditional occupation of Kammaras of scheduled areas is black smithy and carpentry, most of them gave up their traditional occupation. Kolam live in exclusive settlements in interior forests and mountainous tracts. They perform Gusadi and Dimsa dances. Konda Reddi are primarily shifting cultivators and largely depend on flora and fauna of forest for their livelihood. Khond, they are also known as Samantha, Kodu, Jatapu, Jatapu Dora, Kodi, Kodhu, Kondu and Kuinga. These terms are used for Khonds in different areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Khonds are experts in podu cultivation. Mali tribe traditional occupation was growing flower plants and making garlands. But now they are settled agriculturists. They grow vegetables and sell in the weekly markets. Porja are found predominately in the tribal area of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Porja tribe is divided into 7 endogamous sub-divisions or sub-groups.