Mirdha (tribe)

Mirdha is a tribe found in Orissa, India. In 1981 census, the population of Mirdha tribe in Orissa was 28177, mainly spread over the districts Sambalpur, Bolangir and Kalahandi. They are considered to be the offshoots of several ethnic groups. Russel and Hiral Lal describe them as branch of Khangars or Dahait caste of Sagar and Damoh. It is believed that the progenitors of Mohammadan father and Dahait mother became Mirdha, which is the name given to the head of the caste committee of Dahaits.