Tribes of Koraput District

Kandha

            In Odisha the Kandha is numerically the most populous tribe.  Out of the total population of Kandha tribe 16.27 lakh in Odisha 1. 95 lakh reside in Koraput district as per 2011 Census.  The word Kandha is derived from the ‘Telugu’ word Kond which means a small hill as well as the hill men.  The tribe is divided into seven sections out of which Desia Kandha, Dangaria Kandha, Kutia Kandha, Pengo Kandha and Nanguli Kandha are popular.

            They practice both settled and shifting cultivation for their livelihood.  But they heavily depend up on collection of forest products and food gathering for their living.  Kandhas are famous in history for their Meriah sacrifice.

Paraja

            Paraja is one of the well known major tribes of Odisha.  Out of a total population of 3.75 lakh Paraja in the State, 2.22 lakh live in Koraput district as per 2011 census.  This tribe is found in Koraput, Similitude, Pottangi, Nandapur, Lamtaput, Dasmantpur, Laxmipur, Jeypore, Boipariguda and Kundra blocks of Koraput district.

            The name of the tribe is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Praja’ which literally means common people.  In Odia language it also denotes the tenants or the Royat.

Bhotra

            Bhotra synonymous with Bhottada constitute a sub-division of Gond tribe of Bastar.  Out of 4.51 lakh population in the State 78,649 Bhotra population like in Koraput district.  they are mostly found in Kundra, Kotpad and Borigumma blocks.

            The tribe is divided into Bodo and Sano.  The Bodos claim to be the purer descent and treat themselves higher in social order.  They speak a corrupt form of Desia.

            Bhatras are mainly settled cultivators.  They are very rich in culture.  They are naturally talented in the skill of their traditional folk dance, folk music and folk song.

Gadaba

            Gadbas are one of the tribal communities of Odisha classified as speakers of Mundari or Kolarian language and inhabit 3000 ft. plateau of Koraput region.  According to Mitch ell, the word Gadba signifies a person who carries loads in his shoulders.   It is said that their ancestors emigrated from the banks of Godavari river and settled in Nandapur.

            According to 2011 census out of a total Gadba population of 8489 in the State 68677 live in Koraput district.  the community is divided into five main sections, (1) Banda Gadaba, (2) Parenga Gadaba, (3) Sana Gadaba, (4) Ollar Gadba, and (5) Kapu Gadba.  The maximum concentration of Gadba is found in Lamtaput, Jeypore, Nandapur, Similitude and Pottangi blocks.

            The economy of Gadba is agriculture based which is supplemented by collection of minor forest produce, hunting, fishing and wage earning.

Bhumia

            Bhumias are mostly concentrated in Malkangiri and Koraput districts.  As per 2011 census out of 1.26 lakh Gadba population in the State 52,567 Gadbas are inhabiting in Koraput district.

            Bhumias are settled agriculturist having their own land and mostly grow Paddy.  Like Hindu neighbours they take rice, Dal and Vegetable curry.  Rice bear is their favourite drink.  Mohua liquor is used during feasts and festivals.  Gradually they are adapting Hindu manners and customs.  Bhumias are mostly concentrated in Jeypore, Boipariguda and Kundra Blocks.

Omanatya

            Omanatya are odia speaking cultivating tribal people who live in the north of Jeypore and south of Nabarangpur.  It is said that their ancestor was a minister (Amatya) of Sri Ram.  After Ram had gone to heaven there was no one to take care of them and hence they took to agriculture, Omanatya are found in the undivided Koraput district.  In Koraput district their population is 17463 and in Nabarangpur district, they number 10746.  In the other two districts they number 620 as per 2011 census.  Omanatya are largely found in Borigumma block of Koraput district.

            Omanatya are divided into two sections i.e. Bodo and Sano.  They are good agriculturists and practice wet cultivation

Pentia

            The Pentia is numerically a small tribe mainly found in Koraput (undivided), Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts of Odisha.  The total population of Pentia in the State is 10,003 as per 2011 census, out of which 9632 inhabit in Koraput district.  their language is Haluva which is easily understood by Odia speaking people.  The Pentiayas living near Jeypore admit Odia to be their only language.

            The tribe is divided into two endogamous sections called Bodo and Sano.  The Pentias are mainly settled agriculturists.  As most of them are landless they work as agricultural and industrial labourers in different parts of the State.

Halva

            Halva tribe is mainly concentrated in Koraput and Kalahandi (undivided) districts.  The name of the tribe is derived from the word “Holo” meaning plough.  According to 2011 census, the total population of Holva in Odisha is 28,149 out of which 3061 live in Koraput district.  They are also found in Nabarangpur district (4858), Malkangiri district (5030) and Rayagada district (747).

            Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of Holvas.  In addition to the production of crops like rice, ragi, maize and pulses etc., they grow sugarcane and tobacco.  The income from land is supplemented by forest collections, hunting and fishing.  A few people of this community are now in Government service.

Durua

            Durua or Durua Gonds are one of the oldest tribe of Odisha.  They are found in different districts of the State.  But majority of them live in Koraput undivided district.  The population of this tribe as per 2011 Census is 18151 in the State out of which 8402 are found in Koraput district and 8128 are found in Malkangiri district.

            Duruas are mainly agriculturists and also depend on forest produces and animal husbandry.  They are now found engaged in different wage earning activities.  They are mainly found in Kundra and Boipariguda blocks.  A small number of them are also found in Jeypore and Kotpad blocks.