The Dongria Kondh are one of India's most iconic indigenous communities, inhabiting the Niyamgiri hills in the state of Odisha. They are considered a "Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group" (PVTG) and are known worldwide for their successful struggle against large-scale mining on their sacred lands.
The Sacred Mountain: The Dongria believe they are descendants of the mountain god, Niyam Raja. For them, the Niyamgiri hills are not just their home, but a living deity that provides them with water and food.
The Fight Against Vedanta: They gained international fame for their resistance against the multinational Vedanta Resources, which sought to extract bauxite from their sacred mountain. In a landmark 2013 decision, village assemblies (Gram Sabhas) unanimously rejected the mining project.
Agriculture: They are excellent mountain farmers. They grow a wide variety of fruits (such as pineapples and oranges) and grains on the hillsides, maintaining a very rich ecosystem.
Aesthetics and Dress: Both men and women wear distinctive metal hairpins and jewelry.
The most iconic element is the embroidered shawl called Kapdaganda, which girls embroider for their brothers or suitors as a symbol of love and respect.
Language: They speak Kui, a Dravidian language.
Extended info about Kondh People
