There are 62 tribal communities in the state of Odisha and among which some are quite ancient. The name of Saora tribe is mentioned in the great Hindu epic of Mahabharata. The tribes of Odisha belong to 3 linguistic divisions namely Dravidian, Indo-Aryan and Austric. These tribes follow the trend of building their houses with bamboo and thatched roofs. Major Tribes of Odisha There are various tribal communities in Odisha who serve a lot to develop the cultural life of the tribes of Odisha. Odisha also comprises Parenga Tribe, Paroja Tribe, Saora Tribe, Sitha Khanda Tribe, Sounti Tribe and Tadvi Tribe. Among them Saora tribes, amidst their rich heritage ennobles the ethnicity of the state and Sabar Tribe is one of the primitive tribes of the Indian subcontinent, also known to many as ‘Kariya’. Other tribes of Odisha include Bhumia Tribe, Koli Tribe, Bhunjia Tribe and many more. Occupation of Tribes of Odisha A majority of the Odisha tribes take up occupations to sustain livelihood like gathering, hunting and fishing. Tribal communities residing in the hilly areas of Odisha are adept in shifting cultivation. They are also engaged in handicraft industries or mills. Gadaba Tribe and Bondo tribe possess their own looms and are engaged in making clothes for regular use. Moreover, tribal people like Loharas and Mohali have mastered the art of tool making and basket weaving. Oraon, Munda, Santhals and Ho have switched to the factories, industrial occupations and works in mines. Society of Tribes of Odisha The tribal communities of Odisha regard marriage as an important institution. They are very much religious minded, widely practicing religions like animism, animalism, nature-worship, fetishism, shamanism and anthropomorphism. The tribes of Odisha also worship their ancestors. Their local and tribal deities are worshipped by sacrificing animals. Related Articles Indian Tribals Indian Tribal People East Indian Tribes Odisha Oriya Language |