Sabar Tribe

Sabar falls in to category of one of the oldest tribes of India, also popular as Kariya to some people.

Kolha tribes of Orissa state are mostly found in the Keonjhar district. Most of these Kolha tribes reside in the Bhuyan hills and in the adjacent region, namely, Nayagarh and Chamakpur. These Kolha tribes converse with each other in various languages like Hindi and Oriya. The Kolha tribes has their own tribal dialect which is used to converse with the people of this community. For them, English has assumed the status of secondary language. The popular belief is that these Kolha tribes have been emigrated from the Keonjhar district from the northeastern parts of Indian subcontinent during the last century.

Just like other tribal communities, Handia, a type of fermented liquor, is a favorite drink of these Kolha tribes. These Kolha tribes take delight in killing animals and birds with the aid of bow and arrow. By nature, these Kolha tribes are quite shy and introvert.

These Kolha tribes have got an orientation towards spiritualism and religion. Mpost of these Kolha tribes abide by all the customs and rituals of Hinduism. Also these Kolha tribes revere `Sajana` tree, mustard oil, paddy and the dog in special awe and devotion. To sustain their livelihood, maximum of these Kolha tribes attend to the rich farmers as `mulias` or field laborers and are in general they got the payment in advance by their masters, who are popularly known as `sahas`.

Unlike many of the tribes of the region, these Kolha are less proficient in the field of academics and education.

Kolha Tribe

Kolha tribes of Orissa have got ardent faith on Hindu religious practices and are scattered in Keonjhar district.

Kolha tribes of Orissa state are mostly found in the Keonjhar district. Most of these Kolha tribes reside in the Bhuyan hills and in the adjacent region, namely, Nayagarh and Chamakpur. These Kolha tribes converse with each other in various languages like Hindi and Oriya. The Kolha tribes has their own tribal dialect which is used to converse with the people of this community. For them, English has assumed the status of secondary language. The popular belief is that these Kolha tribes have been emigrated from the Keonjhar district from the northeastern parts of Indian subcontinent during the last century.

Just like other tribal communities, Handia, a type of fermented liquor, is a favorite drink of these Kolha tribes. These Kolha tribes take delight in killing animals and birds with the aid of bow and arrow. By nature, these Kolha tribes are quite shy and introvert.

These Kolha tribes have got an orientation towards spiritualism and religion. Mpost of these Kolha tribes abide by all the customs and rituals of Hinduism. Also these Kolha tribes revere `Sajana` tree, mustard oil, paddy and the dog in special awe and devotion. To sustain their livelihood, maximum of these Kolha tribes attend to the rich farmers as `mulias` or field laborers and are in general they got the payment in advance by their masters, who are popularly known as `sahas`.

Unlike many of the tribes of the region, these Kolha are less proficient in the field of academics and education.

Parenga Tribe

Parenga tribes practice shifting cultivation maintaining the trends and practices of the tribal population.

Parenga tribe is known as one of the scheduled tribes of Orissa state. Some of these anthropologists even claimed that this Parenga tribe is a sub division of Gabada tribe. These Parenga tribes speak in a tribal language bearing the same name and it belongs to the Austric language family group. Some of the eminent anthropologists even have traced the origin of these Parenga tribal communities. They are believed to belong to the Austric Munda family along with other tribes like Bhumji, Birhor etc.

Parenga tribes practice the age-old practice of shifting cultivation. These Parenga tribes are religious minded, most of their practices change over the time and experiences. The religion of most of the tribal communities residing in Orissa is a blend of animalism, animism, shamanism, nature-worship, anthropomorphism, fetishism, and ancestor worship. Some are believers of black magic, supernatural forces and spell. The reason of worshipping them is to appease the destructive nature of these deities. Festivals and fairs are part and parcel of these Parenga tribal communities.

Apart from celebrating all the main religious festivals of the country, these Parenga festivals have got their own set of rituals and festivals to be feted in great enthusiasm. To fete these festivals, dance and music form an integral part of this Parenga tribe. The dancers dressed up with the cultural costumes in the dreams of drums and also with the singing of tribal songs .The conventional handloom weaving instruments and wall painting techniques also add to the culture and tradition of the Parenga tribal community.

Holva Tribe

Various districts of Orissa including Puri, Kalhandi etc house a number of Holva tribes who are also known as Kotia.

Quite a multitude of tribal communities thrive in every hook and nook of the whole of the Orissa state.

According to the anthropologists who have conducted several research works in the region have drawn certain information regarding the etymology of the word Holva. This word has been taken from `hal`, which signifies ploughing. Some people also identify these Holva tribes as Kotia tribes.

In the state, these Holva tribes are concentrated mainly in several districts like Kalahandi, Koraput, Sundergarh and also several areas of the Puri district. Need less to say, like most of the tribes of the region, these Holva tribes too speak to each other in the Oriya language. Various dialects of this language too are widely spoken by these Holva tribes. Agriculture is their main source of living.

Chenchu Tribe

Chenchu tribe is well known tribes of India and also found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Chenchu tribes occupy a major position in the list of the tribes of India and are scattered in different parts of India especially in Orissa. Chenchu tribes are also known by the names of Chenswar, Choncharu, Chenchwar and Chenchukoolam. Apart from Orissa, these tribes are also found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

A myth is popular amongst the Chenchu tribes regarding their origination. Lord Mallikarjuna, a personification of Lord Shiva fell in love with a Chenchu girl called `Chenchu Laxmi` and got married later. They are believed to be the ancestors of the Chenchu tribes of the later period. In ancient scriptures like Puranas, temple records and Chronicles, the mention has been made about these couple.

It is obvious that following the norm of the maximum of Indian tribes of the hilly provinces, these Chenchu tribes too have developed expertise in hunting as well as food gathering. Instances are not rare when one can find a group of Chenchu tribes set on a venture in the dense forest region for gathering food materials or just to hunt wild animals. The common preys are animals like boar and deer.

However, due to the stringent laws of forest conversation, these Chenchu tribes have to remain contented with tiny animals namely lizards, rabbits and wild birds. Bows, arrows, small knife are the usual weapons that these Chenchu tribes always carry with them, especially when they go out for hunting. However, these Chenchu tribes have not taken up the occupation of farming. Moreover, they also collect and sell foods and jungle products like beedi leaf, fruits, honey, tubers, roots, green leaves, gum, tamarind, mohua flower etc. Chenchu meal is quite simple comprising of gruel prepared from jowar or maize, and also boiled or cooked jungle tubers. They blend tamarind fruit with tamarind ash. Moreover the people of these tribal communities have learnt various small arts and craftsmanship.

Interestingly, these ably built Chenchu tribes have kept intact all their traditional customs and remained unaffected of the modern influences. Although few of the children of the Chenchu tribes have been sent to schools, these Chenchu tribes are yet to find place in the `mainstream` educational system.

In the midst of the nature`s bounty, the village of the Chenchu reflects the culture and traditional exuberance. Penta is the name of a village of a Chenchu tribe. Each penta comprises of quite a few huts that are separated from each and other and are then clubbed together on the basis of the structure of kinship. For example, the close relatives reside in close proximity, while the distant relatives stay far away.

The Chenchu tribes of India speak in a language of the same name and this language belongs to the Dravidian language group. This language is also known by the name of Chenchwar, Chenswar, Chenchucoolam, or Choncharu. Apart from this language they also converse in Telugu.

The physical characteristics of the Chenchus include flat nose, short height, long head with well defined eyebrows. Their faces are broad and hair is curly. Generally the elderly person the Chenchu village has been bestowed upon the power of maintaining the social harmony and integrity of the people of the village or any individual family. He is called `Peddamanishi`.

Being a huge exogamous group, these Chenchu tribes are sub divided into several clans. Just like a traditional Hindu, these Chenchu tribes too follow the system of gotras, which constitutes the bloodline and descent of member of clan. There are twenty-six gotras found among the Chenchu tribes, each clan being identified by their gotra name. Marriage forms a significant institution in the Chenchu tribal society. It is called `Pelli`, and usually held through negotiation of elders or also as per the choice of the couples.

The way the marriage ceremony is being held is also very unique following all the conventional rites in the presence of village elders and people. However the Chenchu tribes are not permitted to marry any one within the gotra or clan but they can marry members from other Chenchu clans. After marriage, the Chenchu wife becomes a part of the gotra of her husband. Only on special cases like infidelity, divorce is being granted to a Chenchu tribe. Widow re-marriages are also prevalent amongst the Chenchu tribes.

Apart from these, Chenchu tribes have got a treasure house of festivals and societal rituals, thus highlighting various aspects of their culture amongst various deities that are being worshipped, Lord Eshwara, better known as `Lingamayya`, and Shakti or `Maisamma` or `Peddamma` are significant. Worship of these deities is usually held in the months of July and Augusts or `Sravan`. Bhagaban taru, Garelamai Sama, Potsamma, Gangamma are their deities whom they revere. They also worship Hindu gods like Lord Hanuman.

Due to the conservative nature of these Chenchu tribes, most of these Chenchu tribes are yet to adapt to the modern trends of the modern day world. Still today these Chenchu tribes have retained their original life style and habitation.
 

Bhunjia Tribe

Bhunjia Tribes, dwelling in Orissa, are god fearing and are known to be a sub-division of Halbas of Bastar. The Bhunjia Tribe has two branches namely Chaukhutia and Chinda.

Bhunjia tribes are reckoned as an ancient tribe of Orissa. It is a small Dravidian tribal group basically found in Nuapada District which is said to be the abode of the Bhunjia tribal community. The word Bhunjia means people who have originated from the earth. This tribal group is considered as a sub division of Halbas of Bastar. As per the ancient history, they ran away from Bastar as a result of a clash with the Dhakars. Apart from this, the Bhunjia tribal communities are also found in several districts like Kalahandi District. Since the topography of the region is quite rugged with hills, mountains and also dense forest areas, these Bhunjia tribes have settled down in scattered manner in their villages.

Just like any other tribes of the mountainous region of India, these Bhunjia tribes too have adapted the profession of shifting cultivation. Seeing the degradation of the landscapes due to rampant cultivation, in the present day, many of these Bhunjia tribes sustain their living by gathering and also selling various non timber forest products in the local markets. Chaukhutia Bhunjia and Chinda Bhunjia are the two ramifications of Bhunjia group of people. The Chinda Bhunjia people are the inhabitants of plain area while the Chaukhutia Bhunjias reside in the hilly areas of Sunabeda plateau. People of this Bhunjia group are the descendants of the Dravidian group of people. The people of this tribal group converse in Halbi language which is an amalgamation of Marathi language, Chhattisgarhi language and Oriya language.

The costumes of the Bhunjia tribal people are very colourful and attractive. The men of this tribal group generally wear a piece of cloth and shirts. Sarees and different jewelleries made of glass; coils, beads, brass, silver and aluminium adorn the women of this community. Ornaments like bangles, ear-rings, necklace, anklets etc are some of the jewelleries are prevalent among the women. Another most attractive aspect is the way they make up their hair in different patterns. Bhunjia tribes are more conservative and traditional. Moreover, it has also been said that the Bhunjia tribal community has a kinship with the Gond tribe. Several myths suggest a close relationship between Gonds and Bhunjias. Even because of the close affinity with the Gonds, the Bhunjias had started worshipping the gods and goddesses of the Gond people.

The Bhunjia society is patriarchal and the culture follows the norms and practices of the society, just like any other tribal communities of Indian subcontinent do. For regulating the marriage, the Bhunjia tribes have a number of exogamous units or clans. The Bhunjia people have marital relationship with the Gond people. Marriages also take place among the cross cousins of the community. The people of this community are divided into two groups namely Markam and Netam. Marriages in these groups are not allowed. Generally, the Bhunjia tribal people duly follow the structure of nuclear family with a monogamous form of marriage. Special marriage rites and rituals are followed. In fact the kitchen shed of these Bhunjia tribes is believed to be quite consecrated and the entry of married daughters into the kitchen is firmly prohibited.

The pious nature of these Bhunjia tribes has a plethora of gods and goddesses whom they worship them for the sake of well-being and prosperity of the society. Cure and prevention from various diseases, seeking good harvesting etc. are also the reasons for which these deities are worshipped. In the month of Chaitra, the tribal people offer a goat and a coconut to their deity of cholera and smallpox. Sunadei is their principal deity and the priest, better known as `Pujari`, carries on the religious rites. Festivals too are a part and parcel of these Bhunjia tribes. There is a legend popular amongst the Bhunjia tribes. Except Holi, these tribes celebrate almost all the other Indian festivals with enthusiasm. It is said that the Bhunjia tribes have excelled in the art of dreadful magic and spells.

These Bhunjia tribes follow the traditional system with the formation of village council as the key unit of village administration. All the aged people of the Bhunjia village constitutes of the basic unit, while in the top hierarchy, the inter-village council exits. An important aspect of Bhunjia tribal society is the status of their women. In fact, the Bhunjia tribes have a very stringent set of rules in order to govern a woman`s life. It is said that women are not permitted to consume food from outside and there is no such limitation for the male folks. Also, only the women folks of the Bhunjia tribes are not allowed to wear slippers they are not supposed to step on the sacred earth where the deity, Sunadei, lives. However, no such rule is applicable for the Bhunjia male.

Juang Tribe

Juang tribes of Orissa are divided into two totemic clans namely Bandhu clans and Kutumba.

The concentration of the Juang tribes is in several places including Banspal, Telkoi and Harichandanpur blocks. For better living, the Juang villages have been established mostly on the plains. They are also located in ample number in Keonjhar and some are scattered in Dhenkanal. However, most of the Bathudi tribes have adapted to the modern lifestyle of people and immigrated to other places of the region.

Juang people are basically a jungle tribe and are divided into two broad sections, namely, Thaniya and the Bhagudiya. Thaniya comprises of those of the Juang tribes who have settled down in the original homelands, while the Bhagudiya are those Juang people who have migrated to some other places.

The origin of these Juang tribes has a history behind it. The Juang tribes believe that in primitive times, they originated from earth on the Gonasika hills. In these hills the river Baitarani has its source and it is also not far from the Honda village in Keonjhar. The etymological significance of the word Juang emphasizes the fact of their origination man from the same place. Juang are also called by the name of `Patuas` meaning `leaf-wearers`. According to some people, the Juang tribes can also be referred to be patra-savaras, where the patra signifies leaf. By citing this reference, these Juang tribes are thought to belong to that subdivision of the Savara tribe whose tribal members dress themselves in leaves. The physical appearance of the Juang people is noticeable for their broad noses, flat faces, large mouths, wide nostrils and thick lips. Their complexion is reddish brown.

The languages of these Juang tribes belong to the Munda group of people. They have got their individual dialect, which has been referred as Kolarian by the eminent scholar Col. Dalten. Due to its influence of several Oriya speaking people, these Juang tribes have incorporated several Oriya words. Recently, the Juang people have become well conversant in Oriya language.

Societal structure of the Juang tribes is formed in such a way so that these can retain their originality and ethnicity. Just like any other tribal people, the village of the Juang tribe too is the biggest `corporate` group with individual province under their jurisdiction. Within the defined land boundaries these Juang tribes have their land practicing both `settled` and shifting cultivation. Primarily, the Juangs were gatherers and hunters later they also developed cultivation. Apart from adapting to the common profession of cultivation, some of the Juang tribes also have taken up weaving, tailoring etc. Some of the Juang tribes too exploit the forest resources and thus sustain their livelihood. Apart from these, they were also adept in making baskets and they used to exchange foods and money from it.

Dormitory plays a significant role in the Juang society. It is also called Majang where their conventional dance takes place and the village Panchayat also used to be organized. It is also regarded as a guesthouse for all the visitants to the Juang village. The Pradhan is the head of the village and the village is better known as Nagam or Boita or Dehuri. The village priest also is part of the conventional village Panchayat of the Juang tribe. The Juang tribes follow the patrilineal norms. In this Juang tribal society Totemistic clans too are also found, which are carved up into two distinguishable groups known as Bandhu clans and Kutumba clans”. What is to be noted that the totem is not be damaged or wronged by its members. The clans are mainly exogamous and thus the marriage within the same clan is permissible.

Marriage is an important institution of the Juang tribes. Monogamy is usually prevalent and also polygamy is not utterly prohibited. `Levirate and sororate` marriages are prevalent amongst the Juang tribes. There is a peculiar ritual common amongst the Juang tribes. A Juang husband generally worships the `Sajana`, the drumstick tree, if his wife turns out barren and also provides her a paste made of `Sajana` flowers and seeds for consumption. Sometimes he also ties a sevenfold cotton thread having seven knots around the neck of his wife, thinking it to be a type of ‘talisman’ which will help her to conceive. After conception also certain more rituals are followed. The Juang tribes do not permit their pregnant women to go to `Devisthan`. There are certain things that she should be refrained from, like tying up of any thing, weaving mat and also plastering house with mud.

The Juang tribes fete quite a number of festivals, which enrich their religious exuberance. Especially numerous religious festivals are held in commemoration of worship of several deities in honor of their gods and goddesses. For these Juang tribes, Dharam Devta and Basumata are the principal gods. ‘Gramashree’ is the village deity .They also believe in spirits and ghosts. Apart from worshipping local tribal deities, they also worship Hindu gods and goddesses. They offer fowls and animals to their gods and goddesses.

Few harvesting festivals too are popular amongst the Juang tribes, including Pusha Purnima, Amba Nuakhia, Pirha Puja, Pirha Puja, Akhaya Trutiya, Asarhi, Gahma etc. Dancing and singing mark all these occasions. They celebrate these occasions with dances and songs. A kind of drum called changu is accompanied during dancing performance.