Abstract:
The Oraons or the Kudukh’s are an important Dravidian tribe of the Chotanagpur plateau
in Jharkhand. Oral traditions narrate that their cultural practices, customs, food habits and
ornaments are closely related to those that were practiced by the inhabitants of the Indus
Valley Civilization; their folklore states that the Oraons have co-existed in that region with
the Munda tribe and they were displaced only due to the arrival of the Aryans making them
move to their current location. Traditionally the Oraons have been known to be nature lovers,
their entire lifestyle, habitat, ethnicity and practices, in more ways than one, revolve
around nature. They can therefore be considered to be the protectors of nature as they have
been for generations protecting sacred groves and their rituals and festivals, the Karam,
Pahgu and Sarhul, surround these groves. Their heritage is seen in their unique lifestyle
and attachment with nature. While change touches everyone, a tribe which has for centuries
maintained its food gathering and hunting identity are also being impacted by the
prevailing modern and more civilized social milieu. The history of the recent years has
witnessed a growing consciousness towards the maintenance and preservation of the environment,
deforestation being a major concern; where on one side industrialization has its
own benefits, on the other, its ill effects are clearly visible on the environment. This paper
intends to bring to the fore the Oraons, a neglected community, and highlight their contribution
as nature conservers and protectors, thus making them relevant to the modern times.
