 | ||
This is a list of indigenous people or scheduled tribes of the Indian state of Odisha, as recognized by the Constitution of the Indian Republic; a total of 62 distinct tribes. The term "Scheduled Tribes" refers to specific indigenous peoples whose status is acknowledged to some formal degree by national legislation. 13 out of these 62 tribes include are known as "Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups" (PTGs). Officially known as "tribals" or "adibasi" they constitute 22.01% of the state's total population (8,145,081 totally) and 9.7% of the nation's total tribal population.
Contents
Main tribes
The Kondha or Kandha is the largest tribe of the state in terms of population. They have a population of about one million and are based mainly in the Kandhamal and adjoining districts namely Rayagada, Koraput, Balangir and Boudh. The Santals with a population over 500,000, inhabit the Mayurbhanj district. The Saura, with a population over 300,000, are found mainly in the undivided Ganjam and Puri district. The Bonda,are known as 'the Naked People',and have a population of about 5,000 and live in Malkangiri district formerly part of undivided Koraput.
The Kisans are the main residents of Sundergarh, Sambalpur and Keonjhar. They speak the Kisan dialect along with Odia, Hindi and English. They are farmers and food gatherers and they are famous for their Dance and Music. Kutra Village in Sundergarh District is a major Tribal Village and the main residents of this village are the Toppo's.
List of tribes
As per the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, the following were listed as scheduled tribes in Odisha: