Adivasis of Orissa

Adivasis of Orissa refers to Adivasis found in the Indian state of Orissa.

About 62 distinct tribal groups of indigenous people once inhabited in Orissa. Officially known as "tribals" - but more accurately known as "Adivasis" - they constitute more than one-quarter of the state's population.

Main tribes

The Kondha have a population of about one million and are based in the south-west, around Koraput, and near Sambalpur. The Santals with a population over 500,000, live around Baripada and Khiching in the far north. The Saura, with a population over 300,000, live near Bolangir in the west. The Bonda,are known as 'the Naked People',and have a population of about 5,000 and live in the hills near Koraput.

The Kisans are the main residents of Sundergarh, Sambalpur and Keunjhar. They speak the Kisan dialect along with Oriya, Hindi and English. They are farmers and food gatherers and they are famous for their Dance and Music. Kutra Village in Sundergarh District is a major Tribal Village and the main residents of this village are the Toppo's.

List of tribes

As per the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, the following were listed as scheduled tribes in Orissa:

1. Bagata
2. Baiga
3. Banjara Banjari
4. Bathudi
5. Bhottada, Dhotada
6. Bhuiya Bhuyan
7. Bhumia
8. Bhumij
9. Bhunjia
10. Binjhal
11. Binjhia, Binjhoa
12. Birhor
13. Bondo Poraja
14. Chenchu
15. Dal
16. Desua Bhumji
17. Dharua
18. Didayi
19. Gadaba,
20. Gandia
21. Ghara
22. Gond, Gondo
23. Ho
24. Holva
25. Jatapu
26. Juang
27. Kandha Gauda
28. Kawar
29. Kharia, Kharian 1
30. Kharwar
31. Khond,......
...

Read More