Tribes of Odisha, Major Tribes, Culture, PVTGs, Safeguards, Schemes

Odisha is home to a large number of tribal communities, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and way of life. These tribes mainly live in forest and hilly regions and depend on nature, agriculture, and forest resources for their livelihood. They have rich traditions of dance, music, festivals, and handicrafts, which reflect their close connection with nature and community life. Some of the Major Tribes of Odisha are discussed in detail in this article.

Major Tribes of Odisha

Major Tribes of Odisha include several important tribal communities that are discussed below, each having their own distinct culture, language, lifestyle, and traditions, and together they form an essential part of the state’s rich tribal heritage and diversity. 

• Santals
  • The Santals are one of the largest tribal communities in Odisha and are mainly found in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh districts, where they form an important part of the local population.
  • They speak the Santali language, which belongs to the Austroasiatic family, and have a strong tradition of oral storytelling and folklore.
  • Their main occupation is agriculture, especially rice cultivation, along with collection of forest produce for daily needs.
  • Santals are widely known for their rich cultural life, particularly their dance and music traditions, which are closely linked to festivals and rituals.
  • Popular dance forms like Jhumar and Chhau are performed during celebrations, showing community unity and joy.
  • Their festivals reflect a deep connection with nature, seasons, and agricultural cycles, making their culture vibrant and community-oriented.
• Gonds
  • The Gonds are a significant tribal group mainly living in Koraput, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, mostly in forested and hilly regions.
  • They speak the Gondi language, which is part of the Dravidian language family, and maintain strong traditional practices.
  • Traditionally, they are forest dwellers and farmers, depending on agriculture, forest resources, and livestock for their livelihood.
  • Their lifestyle shows a deep respect for nature, and they follow practices that support sustainable use of forest resources.
  • Gonds are highly skilled in traditional arts and crafts, especially wood carving and painting, which also reflect their cultural beliefs.
  • Their social life is simple yet deeply rooted in customs, rituals, and close-knit community living.
• Oraons
  • The Oraons are mainly found in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Balangir districts and are an important agricultural community.
  • Their primary occupation is farming, especially rice cultivation, along with seasonal labor and forest-based activities.
  • They are known for their colorful dances, folk music, and festivals, which play a key role in their social life.
  • The Oraons follow animistic beliefs, meaning they worship nature and natural forces like trees, rivers, and the earth.
  • Their important festival Sarhul celebrates nature, new beginnings, and community bonding.
  • Their culture reflects a strong sense of tradition, spirituality, and harmony with nature.
• Kondh (Konds)
  • The Kondh tribe is one of the largest and most historically significant tribes in Odisha, mainly living in Kandhamal, Gajapati, and Rayagada.
  • A special subgroup, the Dongria Kondh, lives in the Niyamgiri Hills and is known for protecting forests and practicing horticulture.
  • They worship a local deity called Penu, showing strong religious beliefs and spiritual traditions.
  • Their major festival Sohara marks seasonal changes and agricultural activities, reflecting their dependence on nature.
  • Kondhs are also known for their historical resistance against British rule, especially against forced land acquisition and taxes.
  • Their lifestyle highlights a deep connection with land, forests, and traditional cultural values.
• Saoras
  • The Saoras are an ancient tribal community mainly found in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada, living close to hills and forests. They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
  • They primarily depend on agriculture, especially millet cultivation and terrace farming, adapted to hilly terrain.
  • Saoras are famous for their unique ritual wall paintings called Idital, which are symbolic and connected to religious practices.
  • They follow traditional beliefs and ancestor worship, including practices like Marang Buru.
  • Their art, rituals, and daily life are closely linked, showing a strong blend of culture, religion, and livelihood.
  • Their traditions have been preserved over generations, maintaining their distinct identity and heritage.
• Bondas
  • The Bonda tribe lives in the remote hill regions of Malkangiri district and is one of the most isolated tribal groups in Odisha.
  • They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) due to their unique culture and limited interaction with the outside world.
  • Bondas are well known for their distinct traditional dress, especially colorful bead necklaces and brass ornaments worn by women.
  • Their society shows matriarchal features, where women often play a dominant role in social and economic life.
  • They depend on forest resources, small-scale farming, and local produce for their survival.
  • Despite modern influences, they have successfully preserved their traditional lifestyle, customs, and strong cultural identity.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha

• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are those tribal communities that are extremely marginalized, isolated, and socio-economically backward compared to other tribes, making them the most disadvantaged section within the tribal population.
• These groups usually live in remote, forested, and inaccessible areas, often in small and scattered settlements, which limits their access to education, healthcare, and basic services.
• Their traditional livelihoods based on hunting, gathering, and minor forest produce have become highly vulnerable over time, mainly due to encroachment by dominant tribal and non-tribal populations on their natural resources.
• Despite the implementation of various government welfare schemes, the overall development outcomes have remained limited, and many of these communities still face poverty, malnutrition, and low literacy levels.
• The identification of such groups began during the 5th Five Year Plan, under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) approach, where they were initially classified as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) based on specific criteria like low population, pre-agricultural technology, and low literacy.
• Later, to adopt a more sensitive and inclusive terminology, these groups were re-designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by the Government of India to ensure focused attention and targeted development interventions.
• In Odisha, which has one of the highest numbers of PVTGs in India, the recognized groups include: Birhor, Bondo, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Juang, Kharia, Dongria Khond, Kutia Khond, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankidia, Paudi Bhuyan, and Saora.
• These communities are now the focus of special development programs, aimed at improving their livelihoods, health, education, and overall quality of life, while also preserving their unique culture and identity.

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Constitutional Safeguards for the Tribes of Odisha

• Political and Administrative Safeguards
  • Article 164 ensures that Odisha has a separate Minister for Tribal Welfare, which helps in focused attention on tribal development and policy implementation.
  • Article 330 & Article 332 provide reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and Odisha Legislative Assembly, ensuring their political representation and participation in decision-making.
  • The Fifth Schedule applies to Scheduled Areas in Odisha and gives special powers to the Governor to restrict transfer of tribal land to non-tribals and protect their interests.
  • It also provides for the formation of Tribes Advisory Councils (TAC), which advise the government on tribal welfare and administration in these areas.
• Educational and Economic Safeguards
  • Article 46 directs the state to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Tribes and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
  • Article 15(4) allows the government to make special provisions, such as reservation in educational institutions, for the advancement of tribal communities.
  • Article 16(4) ensures reservation in public employment, helping improve job opportunities and economic security.
  • Various support measures like scholarships, financial assistance, and welfare programs help reduce inequality and improve access to education.
  • Article 23 & 24 protect tribal people from forced labour (begar) and child labour in hazardous industries, ensuring their basic human rights and dignity.
• Grassroots and Cultural Governance
  • Article 243D provides reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring their participation in local self-governance.
  • The PESA Act, 1996 (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) gives Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) real power over local resources, minor forest produce, and dispute resolution.
  • This strengthens grassroots democracy and allows tribes to govern according to their traditional practices and needs.
  • It also helps in protecting community ownership of resources and promoting sustainable development.
• Identification and Cultural Safeguards
  • Article 342 provides official recognition of communities as Scheduled Tribes, enabling them to access constitutional benefits and protections.
  • Article 29 protects the language, script, and culture of tribal communities, helping preserve their unique identity.
  • It also ensures that no citizen is denied admission to state-funded educational institutions on grounds like religion, caste, or language.
  • These provisions help maintain cultural diversity and heritage of tribal societies.
• Institutional Mechanisms for Protection
  • Article 338A establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), which monitors and safeguards tribal rights.
  • The Commission works to investigate complaints, monitor safeguards, and advise the government on tribal welfare policies.
  • Article 275 provides grants-in-aid from the Union Government for the development of Scheduled Areas and tribal welfare programs.
  • The Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognizes the rights of tribal communities over forest land and resources, supporting their livelihood and traditional practices.
  • The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 protects tribal people from violence, discrimination, and exploitation, ensuring legal protection and justice.

Key Government Schemes for Tribal Empowerment

• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan – This scheme focuses on holistic development of tribal villages by improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, covering around 63,000 villages and benefiting over 5 crore tribal people.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) – Provides quality residential education to tribal students from Class VI to XII, with modern facilities aimed at improving academic performance, skill development, and access to higher education.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) – Targets Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by improving road connectivity, housing, electrification, healthcare, and basic services in remote tribal regions.
• Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Programme (OTELP / OTELP Plus) focuses on improving food security, sustainable livelihoods, and natural resource management among tribal communities in remote and backward areas, with support from state government and international funding agencies.
• National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students – Enables meritorious tribal students to pursue higher education abroad, promoting global exposure and academic excellence.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Development Program – Focuses on the most vulnerable tribal communities by improving access to healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood opportunities.
• Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) – Promotes research, documentation, and preservation of tribal culture, traditions, and languages while supporting policy development.
• Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) – Ensures coordinated efforts across ministries for tribal welfare, focusing on filling gaps in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• National Fellowship for ST Students – Provides financial assistance for higher education and research through a transparent digital system, encouraging advanced studies among tribal students.
• National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) – Offers concessional financial support to tribal individuals for self-employment and income-generating activities.
• Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) – Promotes tribal products through marketing platforms, supporting artisans and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
• Aadi Mahotsav and Cultural Initiatives – Organizes cultural festivals to showcase tribal heritage, promote handicrafts, and generate economic opportunities through cultural promotion.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) – Aims to develop tribal-majority villages by providing basic infrastructure such as roads, drinking water, and housing.
• National Health Mission (NHM) – Tribal Focus – Strengthens healthcare services in tribal areas, addressing major health issues and improving access to medical facilities.