Discovering the Dongria Kondh Tribe
As part of the Odisha government's "surrender-cum-rehabilitation scheme for Naxalites," numerous cadre members affiliated with the banned CPI (Maoist) from the Dongria Kondh community have been encouraged to surrender. The Dongria Kondh tribe, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), resides in the picturesque Niyamgiri hills nestled within the state of Odisha, India. Their livelihood primarily depends on the abundant resources of the Niyamgiri forests, where they engage in horticulture and practice shifting cultivation to sustain themselves. Situated in the Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of southwest Odisha, Niyamgiri is a majestic hill range characterized by its verdant landscapes and rich biodiversity. At its zenith stands the towering Niyamgiri mountain, also known as Niyam Dongar, serving as a focal point of cultural and spiritual significance for the Dongria Kondh tribe. In conclusion, the Dongria Kondh tribe's unique way of life, deeply i...