Source: NIE
Context: Munda tribals of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, protested against being denied access to their sacred groves, which have been turned into a tiger enclosure for translocated tigress Zeenat.
About Similipal Tiger Reserve:
- Location: Situated in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
- Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1979.
- Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 under the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Flora & Fauna:
- Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests with semi-evergreen patches.
- Hosts the highest tiger population in Odisha along with elephants and hill mynahs.
- Unique Features:
- Waterfalls: Joranda & Barehipani waterfalls add to its scenic beauty.
- High Peaks: Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above sea level) are the highest peaks.
- Part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve: Connected with Hadgarh & Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Conservation Legacy: Known for Padma Shri Saroj Raj Chowdhury, its founder, and his fostered tigress Khairi.
About Munda Tribe:
- Habitat: Primarily found in Chhotanagpur Plateau covering Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Bangladesh.
- Additionally, Similipal Tiger Reserve is home to two indigenous tribes, the Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias, who practice traditional agriculture.
- One of the largest Scheduled Tribes in India, with significant populations in Similipal Tiger Reserve.
- Historical Significance:
- Ancient Presence: Munda languages arrived in India 4,000 years ago from Southeast Asia.
- British Resistance: Munda freedom fighter Birsa Munda led anti-British revolts, advocating for Munda Raj.
- Culture & Traditions:
- Clan System: Patrilineal clans (Killi), believed to descend from a common ancestor.
- Traditional Occupation: Hunter-gatherers turned farmers, skilled in weaving & basket-making.
- Sacred Groves & Rituals: Worship nature, practice animism, and conduct sacred rites at burial sites.
- Folk Music & Dance: Known for Sarhul festival, Karam festival, and indigenous songs & dance.
- Totemic Beliefs: Each clan has a totemic animal or plant, symbolizing its identity.
