TRIBES

Mankirdia

Origins

'Mankirdia' is derived from the Odia workd 'mankada', meaning monkey; as they are exceptional monkey catchers.

Occupation

They are master artisans, weaving intricate products from Sabai grass

TRIBES

Lodha

Origins

The name Lodha traces its roots to "Lubdhaka", meaning trapper, reflecting the tribe’s deep connection to nature.

Occupation

Traditionally, they are experts in breeding tassar moths and harvesting silk cocoons.

TRIBES

Bhumija

Origins

Bhumija translates to 'one born out of the soil', and they are deeply connected to the land.

Occupation

They work as landowning farmers while as well as agricultural labour and forest gathering.

TRIBES

Hill Kharia

Origins

Settled in the Jashipur and Karanjia Blocks, the Hill Kharia tribe is known for vibrant dance and traditions, including cockfighting.

Occupation

The Hill Kharia tribe sustains itself through food gathering, hunting, and labour

TRIBES

Munda

Origins

The term "Munda" is believed to signify "chief" or "headman."

Occupation

Mundas are traditionally agrarian, and are considered the earliest settlers who cleared forests and founded villages.

TRIBES

Santhal

Origins

The most literate tribal group, the Santhal tribe is the third-largest tribal community in Odisha.

Occupation

The Santhalis rear tassar silkworms for their silk, work as agricultural laborers and also as carpenters.

TRIBES

Birhor

Origins

The term 'Birhor' translates to 'forest people'.

Occupation

The Birhor tribe are a semi-nomadic group who are experts in hunting, gathering, rope making and monkey catching.

TRIBES

Ho

Origins

The term "Ho" originates from the Ho language, where "hō" translates to "human".

Occupation

They are experts in farming and grow paddy, maize and ragi crops. They are also known to be excellent basket weavers.

TRIBES

Bhatudi

Origins

The Bhatudi tribe are believed to have migrated from Bakua in the Similipal hills to their present place of settlement.

Occupation

They traditionally work on farms as labourers.

TRIBES

Kolha

Origins

Kolha are also known as Kol, Kol-Loharas, and Ho. Music and dance play a significant role in their culture.

Occupation

The Kolha tribe primarily cultivates paddy as their main occupation.

CRAFT

Sabai grass weaving

Sabai grass weaving has been passed down through generations of artisans; and sustains several local communities.

Products & applications

The grass is woven to create products like ropes, furniture, and handicrafts.

CRAFT

Dhokra

Dhokra metal art or lost-wax casting, is an ancient craft that is over 4,000 years old.

Products & applications

Intricate animal figurines like majestic elephants and horses, sacred deities, and more.

CRAFT

Lakh bangles

Lac, a luminous resin secreted by insects, is moulded into bangles, inlaid with intricate patterns.

Products & applications

With brightly coloured intricate designs, these are significant with brides and married women.

CRAFT

Terracotta

Terracotta figurines' handcrafted forms embody tradition and devotion, and often serve as sacred offerings to deities.

Products & applications

Artisans mould majestic creatures and expressive monkeys with human-like features.

WILDLIFE

Asian Elephant

Part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, Similipal National Park is home to many Asian elephants, one of only three living species of elephants.

WILDLIFE

Peacock

Mayurbhanj derives its name from the Sanskrit "Mayura" (peacock) and "Bhanja," its ancient ruling dynasty. Folklore says the Bhanja rulers emerged from a peafowl's eyes, making the bird a key regional symbol.

WILDLIFE

Leopard

The distribution of Leopards in Odisha is mostly concentrated in Similipal and Satkosia tiger reserves.

WILDLIFE

Tiger

The Tiger population in Odisha is largely concentrated in the Similipal National Park. It plays host to the most number of melanistic tigers in the world.

WILDLIFE

Sambar

The state animal of Odisha, the Sambar deer is a symbol of the state's rich wildlife and biodiversity. They play a key role as prey for the large cat species that live in the Similipal National Park

WILDLIFE

Gaur

Also known as the Indian Bison, the Gaur is one of the most majestic herbivores that live in India's forests. The Similipal National Park is a siginificant habitat for the Gaur apart from other large animal species.

WILDLIFE

Hill Mynah

Hill mynas are known for their ability to mimic the human voice. They're often seen in pairs or small flocks commonly inhabiting the tall canopy woodlands and open forests of the Similipal National Park

WILDLIFE

Mugger Crocodile

Various conservation efforts have helped revive the Mugger crocodile population in the Similipal National Park. The highest altitude habitat for this species in India, they are powerful swimmers that inhabit the river systems of the forest.

FLORA

Mango

The rich and fertile soil of the state and suitable climate conditions, allows the cultivation and harvest of various mango varieties like the Banganapalli, Langra and Himsagar.

FLORA

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are widely planted around Similipal for timber and pulpwood. Tribals also extract oil from their leaves and flowers for livelihood.

FLORA

Orchid

Similipal’s environment makes it ideal for orchids, with over 93 species found in the park, accounting for about 8% of India’s orchids.

FLORA

Red Silk Cotton

The Similipal National Park derives its name from the word "Simul" (meaning Silk Cotton) tree. Found in abundance, tribals tap into the medicinal qualities of the tree to help treat coughs and wounds.

FLORA

Sal

The Sal tree is the most important tree in the area and seems to have a preference for the rocky soil of the region. These majestic forests of Sal form the lifeblood of the park’s ecosystem.

FLORA

Bamboo

The thriving bamboo tree numbers in the Similipal National park serve as a rich food source for elephants. Tribals use bamboo bark and leaves to make craft items like baskets and mats.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Lower paleolethic period settlements

Significance

The Budhabalanga river basin was home to Homo erectus, as shown by Lower Palaeolithic tools found in the region. Archaeologists have traced this ancient culture at several sites along the river.