Kora

Abstract

Kora also known as Koda and Kuda is one of the little-known and numerically small tribes of the Mundari group. (According to Risley, 1891) Kora are akin to the Kisan tribe and are also known as Kora -Kisan, Kuda-Kora. The Kora is derived from the word 'Kuda' which means 'digging of earth'. Some other ethnographers opine that they are basically Hindus who have been influenced by prolonged contact with the aboriginals. Russell and Haralal believed that they belong to the Oraon tribe. Prof. U.C. Mohanty has the view that Kisan has "different names in different areas such as Koda in the districts of Sambalpur and Bolangir." Their traditional occupation "is digging and carrying of earth and hence they are known as Koala".

Koras live in the hilly terrains of Anugul and Dhenkanal districts which slope down towards the north of Keonjhar and Sambalpur districts. Their settlements are generally homogeneous and are located near the foothills, plains, and inside the forest where perennial hill streams are flowing to provide them drinking water throughout the year. Their houses are arranged in a linear pattern leaving a narrow space as their village street.