Orissa, a state with distinct cultural, social and economic features is a home for 62 different tribes, enriching the perspectives of ancient Indian Civilization. In the present India, Orissa houses the maximum number of tribal groups practicing their own culture and style that can be well understood in the paradigm of nature. On the other hand it is one of the most charming regions of India banking on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Its exotic sandy beaches, plenteous wild life, holy temples and the primitive life style of the residents add grandeur to its beauty.
Different tribes of Orissa:
In India, the tribes are classified into four categories according to the use of language. The categorized tribes are- Indo-Aryan speakers, Dravidian speakers, Tibet- Burmese speakers and Austria speakers. In Orissa, the Tibet- Burmese speaking families are absent and therefore the other three tribes are the inhabitants of this region. The Indo-Aryan language family in Orissa includes Dhelki-Oriya, Matia, Haleba, Jharia, Saunti, Laria and Oriya. The Dravidian language family includes 9 languages namely, Pengo, Gondi, Kisan, Konda, Koya, Parji, Kui, Kuvi and Kurukh or Oraon. The Austria language family includes 18 tribal languages namely, Birija, Parenga, Kisan, Bhumiji, Koda, Mahili Bhumiji, Mirdha Kharia, Ollar Gadaba, Juang, Bondo, Didayee, Karmali, Kharia, Munda, Ho, Mundari and Savara.
Apparel and Ornaments:
The tribal folk of Orissa are hardworking and strong people. Men usually wear loin attire and female wrap a long stretch of cloth around them. Women also like to wear ornaments like bangles, armlets, bracelets, necklaces, rings, hairpins and many others made up of brass, silver and aluminum. They also dress themselves with different tattoos.
Life and Practices of the tribes:
Each tribes of Orissa practices a distinct livelihood. The Kharia, Mankidi, Mankidia and Birhor live in the forests of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts. They exclusively live on hunting, gathering and collecting. Koya is the only pastoral and cattle-breeder tribal community of Orissa. Tribes like Mahali and Kol-Lohara practice crafts like basketry and black smithy. Tribals of the northern and southern Orissa like Juang, Bhuyan, Kondh, Saora, Koya, Parenga, Didayi, Dharua and Bonda practice shifting cultivation.
Religion and Marital Practices:
The tribes of Orissa practice animism, animalism, nature-worship, fetishism, shamanism, anthropomorphism and ancestor worship. Their religious performances also include life-crisis rites, cyclic community rites, ancestor and totemic rites and observance of taboos. They practice variety of methods at their marriage such as, capture, elopement, purchase, service and negotiation.
Festival of the tribes:
There are various festivals attached to the different communities of the tribes. During the month of March-April, the tribes who practice agriculture start their festival with the first clearance of crops from the hill. Some start their function with the first fruit eating ceremony of mango. All livestock and crop festivals are observed on a common date, which is fixed by the village headman in consultation with the village priest. But the most significant festivals of the year are ‘Chaita Parab’ and ‘Push Parab’. On this day the village men go on an expedition for hunting.
Socio-economic facet:
The tribal economy of Orissa is largely based on activities around the jungles. Food gathering, hunting and fishing are the main sources of their economic growth. The tribes of Orissa enjoy a rich and varied cultural heritage. This aspect is proved by their folklore, which is musical as well as rhythmical. This is celebrated with a grand vigor and grace in their families or in the community.
Summary:
Tribals of Orissa comprising of 62 different tribes are a major part of Indian ancient civilization. Several features of their life play a successive role in the tribal history of India. Today they are also a good feature for the tourists, economist, historians and several others. The cram of the tribes in India is surely a study in contrast.