ORISSA DIARY
The Koya are a tribe inhabiting the hills in the north of the Godaviri district and are also found in Malkangiri district. They are said to belong to the great Gond family. The Koyas have a tradition that about two hundred years ago they were driven from the plateau in the Baster countary by famine and disputes.The Koyas are a Scheduled Tribes. Koyas are found in Kalimela, Podia, Malkangiri and Korukonda area of Malkangiri District. Koyas are the largest in population. In 1971 Koyas population was 58,730. In 1991 census their population was 1,40,000. By this time it has increased a lot. At Mathili and Manyamkonda area ancient Koyas tribes are generally found. Their village consists of 30 to 40 families.
They don’t settle at any place pernmanently because it’s a belief that they may be some natural calimaty or the local God will be displeased.
They rear Pigs, Goats, Cows and Hens. The main festival of Koyas is “Bijapandu” festival celebrated in the month of Chaitra. They live in low thatched houses . They cultivate Tabaco leaf, Mandia, Maize, Bhatta Paddy. Mahula and Salapa is their ideal drink. They believe in puja and local medicine for their illness and desease and moreover they use very little quantity of milk. The head of the Koya village is called “Peda” and it’s heridiatery. Few villages consittutes a “Mutha” or “Panchayat” and the head of the Mutha was called “Muthadar”. A “Katual” was there to help Muthadar in the village. Koyas are found of unity and patriatic. In 1880 there was revolt against British rule by the great Koya leader Tama Dora, which was famous as “Koya Revoulation” in the Indian history.
COURTESY: ORISSA DIARY
