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Source- This post is based on the article “Koya tribe rides the eco-friendly wave to help conserve the Indian Bison of Eastern Ghats” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2023.
Why in the News?
In an effort to conserve the Indian Bison, the Koya tribe of Andhra Pradesh, India, is switching from traditional bison horns to palm leaves for crafting their traditional flute.
What are the Key Features of Koya tribe?
| Aspect | Details |
| Who are they? | 1) Koya tribe is a tribe found in the Papikonda hill range, near the Godavari and Sabari rivers in Andhra Pradesh. 2) They are also found in Telangana where they are the second largest tribal community. 3) The Koyas commonly refer to themselves as Dorala Sattam (Lords group) and Putta Dora (Original lords). |
| Language | Telegu, Koya language (Koyi) |
| Livelihood | 1) Earlier they were engaged in shifting cultivation. But have started practicing settled cultivation, cultivating crops such as Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets. 2) They also resort to hunting and foraging. |
| Religion | 1) Many Koya deities are female, the most important being the “mother earth“. 2) They also worship a number of Hindu gods Lord Bhima, Korra Rajulu, Mamili, and Potaraju. |
| Festivals | 1) Medaram Jathara – It is conducted in honour of the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma. Note- It is the second-largest fair of India, after the Kumbh Mela and the largest tribal festival in Asia. 2) Other major festivals include: a. Vijji Pandum (seed-charming festival) b. Kondala Kolupu (festival dedicated to appeasing Hill deities) c. Bhumi Panduga (commencement of the agricultural season) |
| Traditional Dance | Permakok ata, also called the Bison Horn Dance, is practiced during festivals and marriage ceremonies. |
| Permakore | It is the traditional flute made of Bison horn. Permakore is played at a designated time and place to give a call to the entire village to go hunting in the forest |
About Papikonda hill range
1) It is the habitat of the Indian Bison and hence is also known as the ‘Bison hill range’.
2) Papikonda National park- Declared in 2008, the Papikonda National Park is spread across East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. It lies on the left and right banks of the river Godavari.
UPSC Syllabus- Art and Culture/ Environment
