The Bonda community in Odisha's Malkangiri district is witnessing a significant change as members transition from fragile thatched huts to permanent pucca houses under the Union government's PM-Janman scheme. This initiative aims to enhance the living conditions of the Bonda Tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) known for its rich heritage.
The Bondas are an indigenous tribe primarily found in the Khairaput block of Malkangiri. With a population of about 7,000, they inhabit mountainous and forest ecosystems. Considered one of the oldest tribes in India, their lineage traces back to the Austroasiatic race. The Bondas are also known by various names, including Bondo, Bondas, Bonda Paraja, and Bhonda.
The Bonda people speak Remo, which belongs to the Austroasiatic linguistic family. This language is distinct from mainstream Indian languages, posing communication challenges for outsiders. The tribe is divided into two groups based on cultural practices: Lower Bondas, residing in southern Odisha near Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and Upper Bondas, who live in the remote hilly areas of the district.
Socially, the Bondas are organized in a hierarchical structure, led by a council of elders who make significant community decisions. They live in small villages centered around communal spaces used for ceremonies and meetings. The architecture of Bonda houses, primarily made of mud and thatch, is adapted to their mountainous environment.
The art of the Bonda people is expressed through the creation of decorative tools, utensils, colorful fabrics, and jewelry. The dressing style of Bonda women is distinctive, often being semiclad and adorned with various rings and jewelry, while men typically wear traditional attire that reflects their cultural identity.
The Bondas practice animism, focusing on the worship of nature and ancestral spirits. Their economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, hunting, and gathering, with a unique method of shifting cultivation known as dangar chas. They cultivate crops such as paddy, millet, pulses, and vegetables. Unfortunately, only about 6% of the Bonda population is literate, and their life expectancy remains low, posing the risk of extinction for their culture.
Q1. What is the PM-Janman scheme for the Bonda Tribe?
Answer: The PM-Janman scheme aims to provide permanent housing to the Bonda Tribe, transitioning them from thatched huts to pucca houses for better living conditions.
Q2. What language do the Bonda people speak?
Answer: The Bonda people speak Remo, a language belonging to the Austroasiatic family, which is distinct from other Indian languages.
Q3. What is the main occupation of the Bonda Tribe?
Answer: The Bonda Tribe primarily engages in subsistence agriculture, hunting, and gathering, with a unique practice of shifting cultivation known as dangar chas.
Q4. How is the social structure of the Bonda community organized?
Answer: The Bonda community has a hierarchical social structure led by a council of elders who make important decisions for the tribe.
Q5. What are the challenges faced by the Bonda Tribe?
Answer: The Bonda Tribe faces challenges such as low literacy rates, health issues, and the risk of cultural extinction due to modern influences.
Question 1: What is the primary language spoken by the Bonda Tribe?
A) Hindi
B) Remo
C) Odia
D) Bengali
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which scheme is facilitating housing for the Bonda Tribe?
A) PM-Kisan
B) PM-Janman
C) Swachh Bharat
D) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the main occupation of the Bonda people?
A) Fishing
B) Subsistence agriculture
C) Mining
D) Textile manufacturing
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How many groups are the Bonda Tribe divided into?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What percentage of the Bonda population is literate?
A) 10%
B) 6%
C) 15%
D) 20%
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What type of architecture do the Bonda people traditionally use?
A) Concrete
B) Bamboo
C) Thatched-roof mud houses
D) Stone houses
Correct Answer: C
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