Page 1
CHAPTER 30
Odisha represents a unique combination of unity with diversity. There
are 62 Scheduled Tribe Communities and 93 Scheduled Caste
Communities in the state. The state has the privilege of having highest
number (13) of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Both ST
and SC population together constitute 39.98% of the total population
of the state as per Census 2011.
The ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare
Department functions as the nodal department for the welfare and all-round
development of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes in the state. As per the Census
2011, Odisha rank 3rd in terms of ST population whereas its position is 11th in the
terms of SC population is the country.
Scheduled Tribes in Odisha
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous people of the state of Odisha as recognised
by the Constitution of India. The ST population in the state is primarily rural with
around 85-90% residing in the villages. According to Census 2011, the tribal
population of the state is 95,90,756 constituting 22.85% of the total population of
the state and 9.20% of the total tribal population of the country. The Scheduled
Tribe population of Scheduled area accounts for about 68.09% of total tribal
population of the state. Malkangiri district has the highest ST population while
Puri district has the lowest ST population.
Demographic Profile of STs in Odisha
l
Total population of ST in Odisha – 95,90,756
—
District with Highest Population of ST – Malkangiri (57.4%)
—
District with Lowest Population of ST – Puri (0.3%)
l
Total Literacy Rate of ST – 52.24%
—
District with Highest Literacy Rate of ST – Puri (74.62%)
—
District with Lowest Literacy Rate of ST – Malkangiri (35.23%)
l
Sex Ratio of ST – 1029
Page 2
CHAPTER 30
Odisha represents a unique combination of unity with diversity. There
are 62 Scheduled Tribe Communities and 93 Scheduled Caste
Communities in the state. The state has the privilege of having highest
number (13) of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Both ST
and SC population together constitute 39.98% of the total population
of the state as per Census 2011.
The ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare
Department functions as the nodal department for the welfare and all-round
development of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes in the state. As per the Census
2011, Odisha rank 3rd in terms of ST population whereas its position is 11th in the
terms of SC population is the country.
Scheduled Tribes in Odisha
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous people of the state of Odisha as recognised
by the Constitution of India. The ST population in the state is primarily rural with
around 85-90% residing in the villages. According to Census 2011, the tribal
population of the state is 95,90,756 constituting 22.85% of the total population of
the state and 9.20% of the total tribal population of the country. The Scheduled
Tribe population of Scheduled area accounts for about 68.09% of total tribal
population of the state. Malkangiri district has the highest ST population while
Puri district has the lowest ST population.
Demographic Profile of STs in Odisha
l
Total population of ST in Odisha – 95,90,756
—
District with Highest Population of ST – Malkangiri (57.4%)
—
District with Lowest Population of ST – Puri (0.3%)
l
Total Literacy Rate of ST – 52.24%
—
District with Highest Literacy Rate of ST – Puri (74.62%)
—
District with Lowest Literacy Rate of ST – Malkangiri (35.23%)
l
Sex Ratio of ST – 1029
338 Know Your State ODISHA
Scheduled Areas of Odisha
The fifth schedule of the Indian Constitution titled ‘‘The Scheduled Areas Order
1977’’ declares 7 districts of Odisha as fully and 6 districts partly covered under
scheduled areas of the state. These are Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri,
Sundargarh, Nabarangapur and Rayagada. Partly covered districts are Sambalpur
(Kuchinda tehsil), Keonjhar (Telkoi, Champua, Barbil), Khondamal (Baliguda,
Udayagiri), Ganjam (Ghumsur), Kalahandi (Rampur, Langigarh), Balasore
(Nilagiri).
Major Schedule Tribes of the State
The tribal people in Odisha mostly belong to Australoid group. The tribes are
concentrated in the Northern belt comprising the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar
and Sundargarh and Southern belt comprising Koraput, Ganjam and Phulbani
districts.Some famous tribes of Odisha are as follows:
Kondhs
l
The Kondhs are the largest tribal group in Odisha. They have a great cultural
heritage and values which respect the nature. Malua Kondhs are majority among
the Kondh sub-groups.
l
Dongria Kondhs lived in the steep slopes of the Niyamgiri Range of the
North-West Koraput (undivided) district and in Kalahandi district.
l
They cultivate on the steep slopes for their livelihood. The Niyamgiri Range
provides a wealth of perennial springs and streams which greatly enrich Dongria
cultivation.
l
The Kondhs speak Kui language as their mother tongue. It is most closely related
to Gondi, Konda and Kuvi and more distantly to Telegu.
s DONGRIAKONDHTRIBEOFODISHA
Page 3
CHAPTER 30
Odisha represents a unique combination of unity with diversity. There
are 62 Scheduled Tribe Communities and 93 Scheduled Caste
Communities in the state. The state has the privilege of having highest
number (13) of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Both ST
and SC population together constitute 39.98% of the total population
of the state as per Census 2011.
The ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare
Department functions as the nodal department for the welfare and all-round
development of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes in the state. As per the Census
2011, Odisha rank 3rd in terms of ST population whereas its position is 11th in the
terms of SC population is the country.
Scheduled Tribes in Odisha
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous people of the state of Odisha as recognised
by the Constitution of India. The ST population in the state is primarily rural with
around 85-90% residing in the villages. According to Census 2011, the tribal
population of the state is 95,90,756 constituting 22.85% of the total population of
the state and 9.20% of the total tribal population of the country. The Scheduled
Tribe population of Scheduled area accounts for about 68.09% of total tribal
population of the state. Malkangiri district has the highest ST population while
Puri district has the lowest ST population.
Demographic Profile of STs in Odisha
l
Total population of ST in Odisha – 95,90,756
—
District with Highest Population of ST – Malkangiri (57.4%)
—
District with Lowest Population of ST – Puri (0.3%)
l
Total Literacy Rate of ST – 52.24%
—
District with Highest Literacy Rate of ST – Puri (74.62%)
—
District with Lowest Literacy Rate of ST – Malkangiri (35.23%)
l
Sex Ratio of ST – 1029
338 Know Your State ODISHA
Scheduled Areas of Odisha
The fifth schedule of the Indian Constitution titled ‘‘The Scheduled Areas Order
1977’’ declares 7 districts of Odisha as fully and 6 districts partly covered under
scheduled areas of the state. These are Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri,
Sundargarh, Nabarangapur and Rayagada. Partly covered districts are Sambalpur
(Kuchinda tehsil), Keonjhar (Telkoi, Champua, Barbil), Khondamal (Baliguda,
Udayagiri), Ganjam (Ghumsur), Kalahandi (Rampur, Langigarh), Balasore
(Nilagiri).
Major Schedule Tribes of the State
The tribal people in Odisha mostly belong to Australoid group. The tribes are
concentrated in the Northern belt comprising the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar
and Sundargarh and Southern belt comprising Koraput, Ganjam and Phulbani
districts.Some famous tribes of Odisha are as follows:
Kondhs
l
The Kondhs are the largest tribal group in Odisha. They have a great cultural
heritage and values which respect the nature. Malua Kondhs are majority among
the Kondh sub-groups.
l
Dongria Kondhs lived in the steep slopes of the Niyamgiri Range of the
North-West Koraput (undivided) district and in Kalahandi district.
l
They cultivate on the steep slopes for their livelihood. The Niyamgiri Range
provides a wealth of perennial springs and streams which greatly enrich Dongria
cultivation.
l
The Kondhs speak Kui language as their mother tongue. It is most closely related
to Gondi, Konda and Kuvi and more distantly to Telegu.
s DONGRIAKONDHTRIBEOFODISHA
339 Caste and Tribes of Odisha
Sauras
l
This tribe is one of the most ancient tribes in Odisha mentioned in Hindu myths
and classics, notably the Purans. Saura men are expert climbers and hunters.
l
Sauras are mainly concentrated in and around the Paralakhemundi and the
Gunupur area of South Odisha.
l
They are called by various names such as Sabara, Saura, Sora, etc and have their
racial affinity with the proto-austroloid physical feature which are dominant
among the aborigines of Central and Southern India.
l
The Sauras speak the Munda language.
l
Sauras are highly religious and they worshipped mainly Sandhidemudu and
Jakaradevatha.
l
Paintings of Sauras i.e. Saura paintings are world famous. Their paintings are
called ikon. These paintings holds religious significance for Saura tribe.
Bhumias
l
This tribe is found in undivided Koraput, Malkangiri, Phulbani, Ganjam and
Sundargarh districts of Odisha. After Koyas, this tribe occupies the second
position in population.
l
The head of the village is called Mukhia. The Bhumias of Nabarangpur district
have an intriguing custom. They avoid paying the bride price and arranged
marriages are not allowed.
Gonds
This tribe is spread all over the hill tracts of Central and South India, Kalahandi and
Koraput districts of Odisha.
s WOMENOFGONDTRIBEWEARINGTHEIRTRADITIONALORNAMENTS
Page 4
CHAPTER 30
Odisha represents a unique combination of unity with diversity. There
are 62 Scheduled Tribe Communities and 93 Scheduled Caste
Communities in the state. The state has the privilege of having highest
number (13) of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Both ST
and SC population together constitute 39.98% of the total population
of the state as per Census 2011.
The ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare
Department functions as the nodal department for the welfare and all-round
development of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes in the state. As per the Census
2011, Odisha rank 3rd in terms of ST population whereas its position is 11th in the
terms of SC population is the country.
Scheduled Tribes in Odisha
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous people of the state of Odisha as recognised
by the Constitution of India. The ST population in the state is primarily rural with
around 85-90% residing in the villages. According to Census 2011, the tribal
population of the state is 95,90,756 constituting 22.85% of the total population of
the state and 9.20% of the total tribal population of the country. The Scheduled
Tribe population of Scheduled area accounts for about 68.09% of total tribal
population of the state. Malkangiri district has the highest ST population while
Puri district has the lowest ST population.
Demographic Profile of STs in Odisha
l
Total population of ST in Odisha – 95,90,756
—
District with Highest Population of ST – Malkangiri (57.4%)
—
District with Lowest Population of ST – Puri (0.3%)
l
Total Literacy Rate of ST – 52.24%
—
District with Highest Literacy Rate of ST – Puri (74.62%)
—
District with Lowest Literacy Rate of ST – Malkangiri (35.23%)
l
Sex Ratio of ST – 1029
338 Know Your State ODISHA
Scheduled Areas of Odisha
The fifth schedule of the Indian Constitution titled ‘‘The Scheduled Areas Order
1977’’ declares 7 districts of Odisha as fully and 6 districts partly covered under
scheduled areas of the state. These are Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri,
Sundargarh, Nabarangapur and Rayagada. Partly covered districts are Sambalpur
(Kuchinda tehsil), Keonjhar (Telkoi, Champua, Barbil), Khondamal (Baliguda,
Udayagiri), Ganjam (Ghumsur), Kalahandi (Rampur, Langigarh), Balasore
(Nilagiri).
Major Schedule Tribes of the State
The tribal people in Odisha mostly belong to Australoid group. The tribes are
concentrated in the Northern belt comprising the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar
and Sundargarh and Southern belt comprising Koraput, Ganjam and Phulbani
districts.Some famous tribes of Odisha are as follows:
Kondhs
l
The Kondhs are the largest tribal group in Odisha. They have a great cultural
heritage and values which respect the nature. Malua Kondhs are majority among
the Kondh sub-groups.
l
Dongria Kondhs lived in the steep slopes of the Niyamgiri Range of the
North-West Koraput (undivided) district and in Kalahandi district.
l
They cultivate on the steep slopes for their livelihood. The Niyamgiri Range
provides a wealth of perennial springs and streams which greatly enrich Dongria
cultivation.
l
The Kondhs speak Kui language as their mother tongue. It is most closely related
to Gondi, Konda and Kuvi and more distantly to Telegu.
s DONGRIAKONDHTRIBEOFODISHA
339 Caste and Tribes of Odisha
Sauras
l
This tribe is one of the most ancient tribes in Odisha mentioned in Hindu myths
and classics, notably the Purans. Saura men are expert climbers and hunters.
l
Sauras are mainly concentrated in and around the Paralakhemundi and the
Gunupur area of South Odisha.
l
They are called by various names such as Sabara, Saura, Sora, etc and have their
racial affinity with the proto-austroloid physical feature which are dominant
among the aborigines of Central and Southern India.
l
The Sauras speak the Munda language.
l
Sauras are highly religious and they worshipped mainly Sandhidemudu and
Jakaradevatha.
l
Paintings of Sauras i.e. Saura paintings are world famous. Their paintings are
called ikon. These paintings holds religious significance for Saura tribe.
Bhumias
l
This tribe is found in undivided Koraput, Malkangiri, Phulbani, Ganjam and
Sundargarh districts of Odisha. After Koyas, this tribe occupies the second
position in population.
l
The head of the village is called Mukhia. The Bhumias of Nabarangpur district
have an intriguing custom. They avoid paying the bride price and arranged
marriages are not allowed.
Gonds
This tribe is spread all over the hill tracts of Central and South India, Kalahandi and
Koraput districts of Odisha.
s WOMENOFGONDTRIBEWEARINGTHEIRTRADITIONALORNAMENTS
l
The name Gond is derived from the Telugu word Konda which means hill.
l
Agriculture, collecting minor forest produce, forging metal goods in cottage
industries, fishing, hunting and the other primary sector activities are the main
activities of Gonds.
l
Marriages are preferred within the blood relations mostly according to Hindu rites
and customs.
Bondas
l
The Bondas is a small Austro-Asiatic tribal community. They live in the wild and
isolated mountainous region in the North-West of Machkund river.
l
It is fiercely independent, stubborn and aggressive tribe.
l
Bondas are the oldest tribal people of Malkangiri district. They live on the mountains
at the height of 3,000 feet. These people live in Bonda hill under Khairput block.
Koyas
l
This tribe inhabited the hills in the North of the Godavari district and are also
found in Malkangiri district.
l
The Koyas are found in Kalimela, Podia, Malkangiri and Korukonda area of
Malkangiri district. At Mathili and Manyamkonda area, ancient Koyas tribes are
generally found.
l
They speak the Koya language of the Dravidian language family.
l
They live in low thatched houses. The head of the Koya village is called Peda. Few
villages constitutes a Mutha or Panchayat and the head of the Mutha was called
Muthadar.
340 Know Your State ODISHA
s WOMENOFBONDTRIBEOFMALKANGIRIDISTRICT
Page 5
CHAPTER 30
Odisha represents a unique combination of unity with diversity. There
are 62 Scheduled Tribe Communities and 93 Scheduled Caste
Communities in the state. The state has the privilege of having highest
number (13) of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Both ST
and SC population together constitute 39.98% of the total population
of the state as per Census 2011.
The ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare
Department functions as the nodal department for the welfare and all-round
development of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes in the state. As per the Census
2011, Odisha rank 3rd in terms of ST population whereas its position is 11th in the
terms of SC population is the country.
Scheduled Tribes in Odisha
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous people of the state of Odisha as recognised
by the Constitution of India. The ST population in the state is primarily rural with
around 85-90% residing in the villages. According to Census 2011, the tribal
population of the state is 95,90,756 constituting 22.85% of the total population of
the state and 9.20% of the total tribal population of the country. The Scheduled
Tribe population of Scheduled area accounts for about 68.09% of total tribal
population of the state. Malkangiri district has the highest ST population while
Puri district has the lowest ST population.
Demographic Profile of STs in Odisha
l
Total population of ST in Odisha – 95,90,756
—
District with Highest Population of ST – Malkangiri (57.4%)
—
District with Lowest Population of ST – Puri (0.3%)
l
Total Literacy Rate of ST – 52.24%
—
District with Highest Literacy Rate of ST – Puri (74.62%)
—
District with Lowest Literacy Rate of ST – Malkangiri (35.23%)
l
Sex Ratio of ST – 1029
338 Know Your State ODISHA
Scheduled Areas of Odisha
The fifth schedule of the Indian Constitution titled ‘‘The Scheduled Areas Order
1977’’ declares 7 districts of Odisha as fully and 6 districts partly covered under
scheduled areas of the state. These are Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri,
Sundargarh, Nabarangapur and Rayagada. Partly covered districts are Sambalpur
(Kuchinda tehsil), Keonjhar (Telkoi, Champua, Barbil), Khondamal (Baliguda,
Udayagiri), Ganjam (Ghumsur), Kalahandi (Rampur, Langigarh), Balasore
(Nilagiri).
Major Schedule Tribes of the State
The tribal people in Odisha mostly belong to Australoid group. The tribes are
concentrated in the Northern belt comprising the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar
and Sundargarh and Southern belt comprising Koraput, Ganjam and Phulbani
districts.Some famous tribes of Odisha are as follows:
Kondhs
l
The Kondhs are the largest tribal group in Odisha. They have a great cultural
heritage and values which respect the nature. Malua Kondhs are majority among
the Kondh sub-groups.
l
Dongria Kondhs lived in the steep slopes of the Niyamgiri Range of the
North-West Koraput (undivided) district and in Kalahandi district.
l
They cultivate on the steep slopes for their livelihood. The Niyamgiri Range
provides a wealth of perennial springs and streams which greatly enrich Dongria
cultivation.
l
The Kondhs speak Kui language as their mother tongue. It is most closely related
to Gondi, Konda and Kuvi and more distantly to Telegu.
s DONGRIAKONDHTRIBEOFODISHA
339 Caste and Tribes of Odisha
Sauras
l
This tribe is one of the most ancient tribes in Odisha mentioned in Hindu myths
and classics, notably the Purans. Saura men are expert climbers and hunters.
l
Sauras are mainly concentrated in and around the Paralakhemundi and the
Gunupur area of South Odisha.
l
They are called by various names such as Sabara, Saura, Sora, etc and have their
racial affinity with the proto-austroloid physical feature which are dominant
among the aborigines of Central and Southern India.
l
The Sauras speak the Munda language.
l
Sauras are highly religious and they worshipped mainly Sandhidemudu and
Jakaradevatha.
l
Paintings of Sauras i.e. Saura paintings are world famous. Their paintings are
called ikon. These paintings holds religious significance for Saura tribe.
Bhumias
l
This tribe is found in undivided Koraput, Malkangiri, Phulbani, Ganjam and
Sundargarh districts of Odisha. After Koyas, this tribe occupies the second
position in population.
l
The head of the village is called Mukhia. The Bhumias of Nabarangpur district
have an intriguing custom. They avoid paying the bride price and arranged
marriages are not allowed.
Gonds
This tribe is spread all over the hill tracts of Central and South India, Kalahandi and
Koraput districts of Odisha.
s WOMENOFGONDTRIBEWEARINGTHEIRTRADITIONALORNAMENTS
l
The name Gond is derived from the Telugu word Konda which means hill.
l
Agriculture, collecting minor forest produce, forging metal goods in cottage
industries, fishing, hunting and the other primary sector activities are the main
activities of Gonds.
l
Marriages are preferred within the blood relations mostly according to Hindu rites
and customs.
Bondas
l
The Bondas is a small Austro-Asiatic tribal community. They live in the wild and
isolated mountainous region in the North-West of Machkund river.
l
It is fiercely independent, stubborn and aggressive tribe.
l
Bondas are the oldest tribal people of Malkangiri district. They live on the mountains
at the height of 3,000 feet. These people live in Bonda hill under Khairput block.
Koyas
l
This tribe inhabited the hills in the North of the Godavari district and are also
found in Malkangiri district.
l
The Koyas are found in Kalimela, Podia, Malkangiri and Korukonda area of
Malkangiri district. At Mathili and Manyamkonda area, ancient Koyas tribes are
generally found.
l
They speak the Koya language of the Dravidian language family.
l
They live in low thatched houses. The head of the Koya village is called Peda. Few
villages constitutes a Mutha or Panchayat and the head of the Mutha was called
Muthadar.
340 Know Your State ODISHA
s WOMENOFBONDTRIBEOFMALKANGIRIDISTRICT
l
They cultivate tobacco leaf, mandia, maize and bhatta paddy. Mahua and Salapa
are their ideal drinks.
l
The main festival of Koyas is Bijapandu festival celebrated in the month of Chaitra.
Matias
l
This tribe live in Dhenkanal, Malkangiri, Balangir and Kalahandi districts of
Odisha. Matias wear simple clothes and live a simple life.
l
They cultivate maize, tobacco leaf and vegetables. In Malkangiri, Matias are treated
as low among the other tribes.
Dharuas
l
This tribe is found in the block of Korukonda of Malkangiri district. Dharuas are
also called as Dhaurua.
l
This tribe speak Dharua language known as ‘Parji’ which belongs to the Dravidian
language family. They are basically agriculturists and hunters.
Didayis
l
Didayis are settled in Malkangiri on the both sides of the river Machkund in the
centre of Kandakamberu hills.
l
They live in houses made of wood and bamboo. They colour the walls of the
houses. Their houses are very neat and clean.
l
Hunting, fishing and cultivation are the main occupations of Didayis. They are
very religious in faith.
Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Odisha
Scheduled caste population constitutes a sizeable population of the state. According
to Census 2011, the Scheduled Caste population of the state is 71,88,463 which
accounts for 17.13% of the total population. The ‘Panas’ are the most predominent
among all the SCs. As per Census 2011, the most populous district in terms of SC
population is Ganjam district while Gajapati district has the lowest SC population.
Demographic Profile of SCs in Odisha is discussed below:
l
Total Scheduled Castes (SCs) Population – 71,88,463
—
District with Highest SC Population – Ganjam (6.88 lakh)
—
District with Lowest SC Population – Gajapati (0.39 lakh)
—
District with Highest Proportion of SC Population – Sonepur (25.6%)
—
District with Lowest Proportion of SC Population – Gajapati (6.78%)
l
Literacy Rate of SC – 69.02%
—
District with Highest Literacy Rate – Jagatsinghpur (78.33%)
—
District with Lowest Literacy Rate – Gajapati (51.03%)
l
Sex Ratio of SC – 987
341 Caste and Tribes of Odisha
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