Tribes of Mayurbhanj District belonging to the state of Odisha are numerable and are generally referred to as `adivasis`, who represent nearly 57.67 percent of the aggregate population of this region. Though they are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the district, they are mainly based in Thakurmunda, Bijatala, Tiring, Jamda and Khunta. The tribes of Mayurbhanj are Mahali, Saunti, Santhal, Bhumji, Bathundi, Munda, Gond, Kol, Mankirdia, Holva, Baiga, Lodha, Hill Kharia and so on. Of these regional tribes of Mayurbhanj District, the Kolhas and Bhumji tribals are the most popular tribals who reside here. They are followers of various kinds of cultural traditions, habits and lifestyles, customs and therefore the socio-economic scenario of the tribal communities of Mayurbhanj is quite diverse. Hunting is one of their most significant occupation and they engage in accumulating firewood from the dense forests while several tribals also render service as landless labourers. They might also work in small scale industries and mines.
It is said that Santhals constitute the largest tribal communities dwelling in Mayurbhanj District. The other primitive tribals who are mentioned as indigenous residents of this Indian district include Lodhas, Mankirdias and Kharias. The Mankirdias and Kharias are nomads who spend their time in hunting activities and also food gathering and they reside in the hilly tracts of Similipal Hill Ranges particularly in the sub-division of Panchpir, in the Jashipur blocks. Concentrated in Morada and Suliapada blocks of the sub-division of Baripada, the Lodha tribe is believed to be a criminal tribe who require socio-economic rehabilitation. Selling firewood, manufacturing ropes, raising sill cocoons and agricultural activities are amongst the chief occupations practised by Lodhas.
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