Context:
Recently, the Mankidia community became the 6th particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) PVTG to get habitat rights over forests in Odisha.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Overview of Mankidia Tribe
- The Mankidia tribe belongs to the Austro-Asiatic ethnic group and primarily depends on forest resources for survival.
- They form a semi-nomadic subsection of the Birhor tribe, moving frequently in search of sustenance.
- The tribe is designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha, highlighting their marginalized status.
Livelihood and Occupation
- The Mankidia tribe’s main source of livelihood comes from food gathering and hunting. They are among the lesser-known forest-dwelling and nomadic communities in both Odisha and India.
- They roam in small groups within forest areas and set up temporary settlements called Kumbhas, characterized by dome-shaped leaf huts.
Language and Spiritual Beliefs
- The Mankidia tribe speaks a dialect derived from the Munda language, with some members also fluent in Odia.
- Their spiritual beliefs encompass both benevolent and malevolent deities. Logobir and Budhimai are their principal gods.
- They honor their ancestors to ensure health and success in hunting and gathering forest produce.
Geographical Distribution
- The Mankidia tribe predominantly inhabits Odisha, but they are also found in the states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.
-Source: Indian Express
