Tribals are concentrated in states such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. In 1950, the Indian Constitution designated these tribal groups as Scheduled Tribes. These tribes are primarily subsistence-oriented, non-segmented, and unspecialized. Odisha, in particular, stands out among Indian states and union territories for its vibrant tribal landscape. The ‘Juangs’ are one such tribal group from Odisha.
The term ‘Juang’ means “Sons of Man”. They were called the ‘Pattuas’ because they wore leaves. This community practises autonomous tribal religion. They speak their language classified as Austric. They express themselves through their diverse cultural heritage and striking socio-cultural traits. Juang tribal members are courteous and shy and value extended kinship and corporate community life. They are enamoured of their surroundings, people, and the unseen supernatural power. They have fun together and share their joys and sorrows. This community is divided into two sections: Hill Juan and Plain Juang, named after the Keonjhar and Pallahara hill ranges and the Dhenkanal and Keonjhar plains. Members of this tribal community believe they are the first humans to be born on the planet. Their forefathers were descendants of a Rusi couple (a saint and his wife) who lived in Rusi Tangar, a hill near Gonasika in the Keonjhar district. An important aspect of Juang culture is the traditional youth dormitory, Majanga or Mandaghar, where unmarried boys and girls live.
The Juang tribal members are primarily concentrated in the current districts of Keonjhar and Dhenkanal in Orissa. The Keonjhar district has a total area of 3,096 square miles divided into Lower Keonjhar and Upper Keonjhar. Lower Keonjhar is a fertile plain inhabited primarily by the Oriya people. In contrast, Upper Keonjhar is made up of a series of hills that run the length of the district’s western part in an arc from northwest to southeast. The earliest known Juang settlement is in the northern half of the Upper Keonjhar area.
The Juangs are known for their clan structure and kinship organisations. Clans are known locally as Bok and have a totemic origin, with clan members descending from a common-mythical or totemic ancestor. All members are obligated to their totem and revere totemic taboos. Totems are typically animals, birds, insects, trees, flowers, grains, mushrooms, etc. The community practises exogamy, and all blood relatives are ‘Kutumba’ members, while members with whom marriage is possible are ‘Bandhu’. After marriage, most women adopt their husband’s clan. Juangs wore their traditional leaf attire until the twentieth century. Following contact with neighbouring communities and government agencies, the Juangs were forced to adopt clothing from other communities, which was completely foreign to them. Their traditional attire faded as their life and culture were replaced by the impact of modernity.
The Juangs believe in supernatural power, and it has a significant impact on their daily lives. In general, the spirits are both malevolent and benevolent. To appease them, the Juangs perform regular sacrifices and ceremonial observances. The supreme deity in the Juangs pantheon is ‘Dharmadeota’ (Sun God), and the Earth Goddess is ‘Basumatimata’ (Earth Goddess). They consider them as their creators and protectors. A wooden post and stones were adjacent to the ‘Mandaghar’ enshrine and symbolically represent ‘Gramsiri,’ the village deity.
Over the years, the Juang tribe has faced challenges in socio-economic development, education, healthcare, and preserving their cultural identity. The government and non-governmental organisations have tried to uplift their living conditions, provide education, and empower the community while respecting their cultural values.
Shruti Sharma
Shruti Sharma, a History graduate from Indraprastha College for Women. Her area of interest mainly lies with historical research, and inter-disciplinary research. Apart from this, she is really enthusiastic about visiting monuments and unexplored sites in Delhi.