Juanga Tribe

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.