Pre-cum-Mains GS Foundation Program for UPSC 2026 | Starting from 14th Nov. 2024 Click Here for more information
What is the News?
As many as 21 tribals across eight different Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha have tested positive for Covid-19. Among them, two persons are from the Bonda tribe.
About Bonda Tribe:
- Bonda tribes are one of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) found in Odisha.
- Origin: Bonda tribes are members of a group of Austro-Asiatic tribes.They are believed to be part of the first wave of migration out of Africa about 60,000 years ago. They are the first forest settlers in India.
- Culture: The Bondas have retained their identity and culture despite external interventions over the years.
- Occupation: They are primarily forest dwellers. They perform hunting and foraging for food in the wild.
- Matriarchal society: The women prefer to marry men who are younger by at least 5-10 years. This is done because the men can earn for them when they grow old.
- Dressing style: Women are semi-clad and wear various types of rings and necklaces around their bodies. The men on the other hand carry lethal bows and arrows.
- Language: They continue to speak in their language, Remo. It comes under the Austro-Asiatic language belonging to the Mundari group.
Tribes in Odisha:
- Firstly, Odisha has among the largest and most diverse tribal populations in the country.
- Secondly, according to the 2011 Census, Odisha’s share of the country’s total tribal population was 9%.
- Thirdly, tribals constitute 22.85% of the State’s population. In terms of the numbers of its tribal population, Odisha occupies the third position in India.
- Fourthly, of the 62 tribal groups residing in Odisha, 13 are recognised as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Fifthly, several PVTGs from Odisha are Bonda, Birhor, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Dongaria Kandha, Hill Kharia, Juang, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankirdia, Paudi Bhuyan and Saora.
Source: The Hindu
