Documenting the ethno-cultural practices of Konda Dora tribe of Andhra Pradesh

The division undertook the documentation of the ethno-cultural practices of the Konda Dora tribe of Andhra Pradesh in the Srikakulam area.

The material culture of a Tribe gives true distinctive picture of its lifestyle, the living culture in relation to the social organization religion and other ceremonial practices, as well as to other material sides of the tribal’s life. So, the various aspects of material culture of the tribe’s viz., household pattern, garments, ornaments, food style/habit, art and craft, dance and music etc. have projected the distinctive culture of the tribes of Padheru and Araku Valley in Costal Andhra Pradesh in Visakhapatnam district.

The Konda Doras –literally meaning the leaders of the hills – are found chiefly in the scheduled areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. They are known for their robust physique, simplicity, smiling nature and love for their land, jungles, ecology, and the entire setups. All Konda Doras speak their mother tongue “Konda” also called Kubi dialect among them which is similar in accent with Oriya but distinct from Oriya language.