News: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested an action taken report from the district magistrate-cum-collector of Keonjhar regarding alleged human rights violations of the Juanga tribe, which is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the district.
About Juanga Tribe
- The Juanga tribe is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha.
- The Juang tribe primarily inhabits the hills of Keonjhar, Pallahara in Anugul, and the plains of Dhenkanal in Odisha.
- The tribe is divided into two groups: Hill Juang (Thaniya) and Plain Juang (Bhagudia).
- The Juanga people speak the Juanga language, which belongs to the Munda language family.
- Historically, they were known as Patuas because they wore skirts made from leaves, but in modern times, they prefer wearing clothing purchased from local markets.
- The mandaghar, or youth dormitory, is an important cultural structure in Juang villages, serving as a gathering place for the community.
- The Juang perform Changu dances, which take place in front of the mandaghar.
- Their primary occupations include shifting cultivation, hunting, gathering forest produce, and occasional wage labor. Some Juangas practice subsistence agriculture, growing crops like millet, pulses, and vegetables.
- Handicrafts and bamboo products are also part of their traditional economy.
