Threat to Bonda tribe

A tribe that is fierce in nature, inherently independent, and full of grit struggles to maintain their individuality. Residing in the state of Odisha, Bonda tribe is one of the most unique tribes in India, known for their distinct culture and identity. Currently, they are fighting to preserve their identity and culture.

Traditional accessories of Bonda women Image source: Dodho

Once upon a time, Sita, the female protagonist of the epic Ramanaya, was bathing in a lake during her exile years in the Malkajgiri hills, which are now in Odisha. When some local women saw her naked, they laughed at her. Sita, enraged and disappointed, cursed those women, saying they would never be allowed to wear clothes and would always have their heads shaved.

Having recognised the gravity of the situation, those women begged her forgiveness. Sita, having changed her mind, tore a piece of cloth from her Sari and distributed it among the women. This legend explains the clothing of Bonda women, a tribal community in Odisha's south-western district.

The Bonda tribe, one of India's most vulnerable tribes, is thought to be the first Homo Sapiens to set foot on the Indian subcontinent. They are considered to be the first tribe to leave Africa around 60000 years ago. The tribe has its own language, which is of Austroasiatic origin.

Bonda tribes are known for their fierce nature and independent spirit. These characteristics can be seen in their daily activities, clothing, and socio-cultural events. For example, they are primarily agriculturalists who eat the foodgrains they grow. Bondamen enjoy palm wine, which they make from the Salap tree.

They are skilled archers who always carry a bow and arrows when they roam the jungles. Bonda men are more aggressive than their female counterparts, especially when under the influence of palm wine. Furthermore, they dress in minimal clothing, only covering the necessary parts. Bonda women dress up in a variety of colourful beads and iron neckleces. They do, however, cover their lower parts with a loin cloth that they weave themselves.

Bonda men and women, with their distinct clothing and appearance, perfectly capture the spirit of distinct independence.

It is unsurprising that their empowering characteristic is reflected in the structure of their society. Bonda tribes are traditionally matriarchal societies in which women hold a position of power. They manage household tasks as well as the needs of the family. In fact, Bonda women marry men 10-12 years their junior in order to care for them as they grow. In exchange, their husbands support them in their old age.

Bonda tribes, who are culturally rich and vocal, celebrate festivities by dancing and singing in their own distinct style. Girls dressed in colourful beads dance with peacock feathers in their hands while boys play musical instruments. Because they live amidst nature, they worship it and have given names to several deities. Patakhanda maaparabhu, for example, is revered as the creator of the universe. Renugbor is known as the forest deity.

However, the oldest and aatmanirbhar tribe in India is now struggling to survive.

Bonda tribe, numbering around 12000 people, is currently forced to migrate from their home in search of survival and livelihood.

"We are seeing a troubling trend. The community has been unable to meet its needs from the forests, forcing them to work in nearby towns in Odisha," says Raghunath Sahoo, the Bonda Development Agency's first officer (BDA).

Bonda people are forced to fight alternative modes of survival due to depleting forest resources and constant encroachment on their lands. They now rely on agriculture not only to survive, but also to supplement their income.

Bonda tribe faces the threat of losing their unique culture and identity as they fight for their survival. They are forced to prioritise survival over identity. The tribe struggles for basic development and education due to limited reach and outside communication.

A tribe known for its self-reliance and fierce spirit urgently requires state assistance to preserve their identity, which is the essence of their existence.