Odisha’s “Bonda tribe” and other PVTG members infected with Covid-19

Contents

• 1
• 2 What is the News?
• 3  About Bonda Tribe:
• 4 Tribes in Odisha:

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