Tribe: Dongaria Kondh – Guardians of Niyamgiri

 

Tribe: Dongaria Kondh – Guardians of Niyamgiri

 ashokkaran.blogspot.com

 

While journeying deep into the heart of Odisha’s Niyamgiri jungles, I came across a tribe unlike any I had seen before. Upon speaking with local residents, I learned they belonged to the Dongaria Kondh—a fascinating, deeply rooted community that resides atop the Niyamgiri hills in the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha.

The Dongaria Kondh are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) known for their rich culture, distinct traditions, and profound spiritual connection to nature. The name "Dongaria" signifies "people of the mountains," while "Kondh" refers to their caste. They speak Kui, a Dravidian language without a written script, and are known for their oral traditions, songs, and dances.

The Niyamgiri Hills, with their dense forests, gorges, and cascading streams, are not just home but sacred ground to the Dongarias. They worship Niyam Raja, the mythical god and protector of the hills, and consider the entire ecosystem—the mountains, streams, and forests—as their ancestral heritage.

Their attire is colorful yet simple. Both men and women wear hair clips and traditional jewelry. Women adorn their hair with wildflowers and often carry a small knife tucked into their hair, along with three nose rings; men wear two. Their similar clothing style sometimes makes it hard to distinguish between genders. While literacy remains low, some youth have embraced elements of modern life—like jeans and mobile phones—despite a lack of network in the deep jungle.

The Dongaria Kondh are also known for their fierce protection of their land. They famously fought and won a historic legal battle against the proposed Vedanta mining project, preserving their sacred hills from exploitation—a remarkable testament to their resilience and unity.

The community thrives primarily through agriculture and animal husbandry. Women collect water from nearby streams and waterfalls, maintain livestock like goats and pigs in bamboo enclosures, and play an active role in village governance. The tribe also comprises various subgroups including the Kovi, Kuttia, Languli, Penga, and Jharnia (stream protectors).

Spiritually, they honor their ancestors and blend their indigenous beliefs with Hindu rituals, worshipping deities like Durga and Kali, often accompanied by animal sacrifices.

In the picture: A Dongaria Kondh woman gazes curiously into the camera, deep within the Niyamgiri jungle—capturing the spirit, strength, and soul of this remarkable tribe.

Text & Photo by: Ashok Karan
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