International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.

Socio-Cultural Transformation and Livelihood Shifts among Dongria Kondha: A Study in Rayagada District

Author(s) Ms. Aliva Hansdah, Dr. Barsha Biswal
Country India
Abstract The Dongria Kondha are an indigenous tribal community residing in the Niyamgiri Hills of southern Odisha, primarily across the districts of Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput. With a population of around 10,000 spread over approximately 120 remote hill villages, they have traditionally lived in close harmony with nature, practicing shifting cultivation, horticulture, forest gathering, and hunting. Their language, Kuvi or Kui, and their patrilineal, clan-based social structure reflect a deep cultural heritage, closely tied to local deities and rituals, especially the worship of Niyam Raja, the guardian spirit of their sacred hills. Over the years, however, the Dongria have faced increasing exposure to outside influences. Development programs in education, health, and infrastructure, along with the spread of markets and state policies on conservation and mining, have significantly impacted their way of life. Many families are now gradually integrating into the broader economy, experiencing both opportunities and challenges. This study explores how these transformations have affected their cultural traditions, livelihoods, gender roles, and interactions with government initiatives, offering insights into how a deeply rooted tribal identity navigates the pressures of modernity.
Keywords Dongria Kondha, Cultural Change, Livelihood, Gender Roles, Tribal Policy
Field Sociology > Data / Information / Statistics
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-07-05

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