PRESERVING ROOTS, EMBRACING CHANGE: THE RICH TAPESTRY OF KONDA DORA CULTURE IN THE AGENCY AREAS OF VISAKHAPATNAM DISTRICT

Abstract

Tribes in India confronts different problems including definition, integration and development. There is no clear definition of tribes because indigenous population in India doesn’t constitute a uniform race. Cultural and traditional practices vary among Plain and Hill tribes. Each tribe has a rich repository of Traditions, and cultural heritage which evokes curiosity. Verrier Elwin holds the view that Tribes have exotic culture and live in harmony with nature. Modern society can learn the values of love, compassion and care from them. Their culture must be preserved from the mainstream. Whereas for GS Ghurye tribes are Backward Hindus who must be assimilated into mainstream Hindu society for their development. This research paper aims to explore the cultural and traditional practices of the Konda Dora tribe in Ananthagiri Mandal, Alluri Sitharama Raju District. The study was conducted in Dandabaadi and Taatiguda villages, with a purposive sampling of 50 people who were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire. The study reveals various aspects of the tribe’s culture and traditions, including their traditional beliefs and superstitions, clothing, arts and crafts, dance and music. The findings indicate that the tribe has a deeply rooted cultural heritage that values traditional knowledge and practices. The research also highlights the tribe's traditional medicinal practices, which are based on the use of medicinal plants and herbs found in the local forests. Knowledge about the cultural practices of Tribes can help in the preservation of heritage and people centered development