Bagata Tribe

About Bagata Tribe: 

• The Bagatas cite the historic origin of their community name as the devoted warriors (Bhaktas) of the then rulers.
• They are also called Bagatha, Bagat, Bagodi, Bogad or Bhakta.
• Location: They live in the state of Odisha and also in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• Festivals: Dhimsa is one of the dances and Bagata tribes of all ages enjoy energetic dancing, and all ages take part. The dances of the Bagata are called Sankidi Kelbar.
• Family life: Nuclear families are commonly found in their society. They prefer cross-cousin marriage and consider marriage by negotiation as the ideal type of matrimony.
• Language: They speak with one another in a form of the Oriya language. One of their main languages is Telugu. Their local dialect is Adivasi Oriya.
• The Bagata tribes have undertaken the profession of farming in order to sustain the requirements of their day-to-day living. 
• They worship Hindu gods and goddesses in addition to their family and tribal gods.

Q1: Who are called as ‘tribe’ in India? 

According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India, a tribe is a collection of families bearing a common name, speaking a common dialect, and occupying or professing to occupy a common territory. India is known as a Melting pot of tribes and races.

Source: In dark shadow of a powerhouse: tribes who built A.P power project live in darkness