Juang Tribe

Juang Tribe Latest News

A 16-year-old Juang tribal girl in Odisha changed the entire mindset of a village related to child health and child marriage.

About Juang Tribe

• Juang is one of the 13 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) of the total 62 tribes found in Odisha.
• They are primarily concentrated in the current districts of Keonjhar and Dhenkanal in Odisha.
• Language: Linguistically, they converse in the Juang language, a member of the Munda family within the Austroasiatic languages.
• The Juangs are known for their clan structure and kinship organisations.
• Occupation: Initially reliant on hunting, gathering, and limited cultivation, the declaration of their forests as reserves during the British colonial era prompted a shift in traditional customs. 
  • Adapting to these changes, the Juang people showcased expertise in basket-weaving, exchanging their products with neighboring caste villages for essentials like salt, oil, and food.
• Clothing: Historically known as Patuas or “leaf-wearers,” Juang women adorned leaf girdles, while men wore small loincloths. 
• Beliefs: Although they have some Hindu beliefs, Juangs practice mostly ancient animistic rituals.
• Their supreme god is the sun god. However, they have also adopted the Hindu deities in addition to tribal gods and goddesses.

Source: TOI

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