The recent news sheds light on the Bonda tribal community as four individuals from this tribe have tested positive for Covid-19. The Bonda tribe, renowned for their unique culture and history, are a part of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in Odisha.
Understanding the Bonda Tribe
Amongst the 75 PVTGs residing in India, Bondas hold significance because of their intriguing historical roots. Known to be members of the Austroasiatic tribes, they are believed to be the first settlers in the forests of India, migrating out of Africa approximately 60,000 years ago.
Cultural Uniqueness of the Bonda Tribe
Defying external interventions and societal pressures over the years, the Bondas have successfully retained their rich cultural heritage. Known as forest dwellers, their traditional way of life included hunting and foraging for foods in the wild, reflecting their close association with nature.
Bondas – A Matriarchal Society
The societal structure of the Bondas is interestingly matriarchal. It is typical for women in the tribe to marry men who are younger by at least 5-10 years. This ensures that the men can provide for them when they grow old.
Bondas and Their Unique Dress Code
One of the most distinctive features of the Bonda tribe is their dressing style. Women of the tribe are usually semi-clad, adorn various types of rings and necklaces around their bodies, while men carry bows and arrows, reflecting their traditional hunting practices.
The Language of the Bondas
Even their language, known as Remo, adds to their unique identity. Belonging to the Mundari group of the Austroasiatic language, it continues to be spoken amongst the community. This language group is also spoken by the Munda people.
The Division of the Bonda Tribe
The Bonda tribe can be categorized into two groups based on their settlement: The Upper Bondas who reside in the inaccessible forests and the Lower Bondas who live in the plains.
PVTGs in Odisha
Odisha, a state in eastern India, is home to 62 diverse tribal communities, making it the state with the largest tribal population in India. Out of these, thirteen tribes are recognized as PVTGs including Bonda, Birhor, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Dungaria Kandha, Hill Kharia, Juang, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankirdia, Paudi Bhuyan, and Saora.
These tribal populations primarily inhabit seven districts of Odisha – Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Rayagada, and partially six other districts. Despite the challenges they face due to their vulnerability, these tribes add immense richness to the cultural diversity of the nation.