News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Soligas in his Mann Ki Baat program for their role in tiger conservation.
About Soliga Tribe
- The Soliga tribe primarily inhabits the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
- They are also found in parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
- In 2011, the Soligas were the first tribal community in India to have their forest rights legally recognized within a tiger reserve.
- The Soligas communicate in Sholaga, a Dravidian language, as well as Kannada and Tamil.
- The Soligas have a deep-rooted cultural connection with the forest and wildlife.
- Soligas possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and forest ecology which helps in conservation efforts.
- They worship tigers, referring to them as “Dodda Nayi” (Big Dog) and have a temple dedicated to them.
- Their lifestyle is simple, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
- They reside in simple, single-room huts made of bamboo and mud. They create distinctive utility items from natural materials, including the ‘jottai,’ a cup crafted from leaves.
- Role in Conservation:
- The Soligas coexist with wildlife and contribute significantly to tiger conservation in BRT Tiger Reserve.
- Their sustainable harvesting methods ensure that natural resources are shared with animals.
- They assist the Forest Department in fire prevention and habitat protection.
