The Khond are an indigenous group dwelling in the pleasent hills and lush jungles of the Odisha state in India. Their languages, Kui and its southern dialect Kuwi, are a part of the Dravidian language family. Contemporary lifestyle has led most of these folks to engage in rice cultivation, while some groups such as the Kuttia Khond continue their traditional method of slash-and-burn agriculture. The Niyamgiri hills in Odisha have been home to the Dongria Khond, who have been identified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
About the Khond People and Their Environment
The Khond people live in harmony with nature in the undulating terrain and verdant forests of Odisha. They have maintained a rich tradition of folklore, music, and cultural practices that are intrinsically linked to their surroundings. The divine significance of hills, forests, and rivers in Khond mythology is reflective of their deep respect for the environment.
Language and Communication
The Khonds communicate using the Kui language and its dialect, Kuwi. Both these languages belong to the Dravidian family which roots down to the southern parts of India. Communication plays a vital role in the lives of Khonds, helping them maintain their social structures and cultural traditions.
Agricultural Practices and Lifestyle
Most of the Khonds have adapted to the practices of modern agriculture, with rice cultivation being a predominant occupation. Nevertheless, some communities like the Kuttia Khond still hold onto their traditional farming methods such as slash-and-burn agriculture. This method involves cutting down and burning of trees on a piece of land to create a fertile field for cultivation.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Language | Kui and Kuwi |
| State | Odisha |
| Main Occupation | Rice Cultivation |
| Traditional Agricultural Method | Slash-and-Burn |
The Dongria Khond of Niyamgiri Hills
The Niyamgiri Hills in Odisha hold special importance as the heartland of the Dongria Khond. These people have a unique bond with the hills that are rich in biodiversity, which they revere as a living deity. However, their distinct lifestyle and geographic isolation have led to them being categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Indian government, necessitating special measures for their protection and development.
