Comparative Study of Kudmi Mahto Communities of Jharkhand and Onge Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

1. Introduction

India is home to diverse ethnic groups with distinct cultural, social, and economic characteristics. The Kudmi Mahto community of Jharkhand and the Onge tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands represent two unique indigenous groups with different historical backgrounds, lifestyles, and socio-economic conditions. While the Kudmi Mahto community primarily engages in agriculture and has a rich cultural heritage linked to the agrarian economy, the Onge tribe is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) with a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. This comparative study explores their history, socio-cultural structure, economic activities, and challenges.

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2. Historical Background

2.1 Kudmi Mahto Community

• The Kudmi Mahto (also spelled Kurmi) are an agrarian community mainly found in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
• They are believed to have migrated from central India and settled in the Chotanagpur plateau, engaging in agriculture.
• Kudmis played an important role in agrarian uprisings against the British, including the Kol Rebellion (1831-32) and Santhal Rebellion (1855-56).
• They are known for their expertise in farming and land management.

2.2 Onge Tribe

• The Onges are one of the oldest indigenous tribes of India, residing in the Little Andaman Island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
• They belong to the Negrito racial group, believed to have migrated from Africa over 30,000 – 50,000 years ago.
• The Onge population has drastically declined over time due to external influences and diseases brought by outsiders.
• Traditionally, they are nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on fishing, hunting, and forest resources.

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3. Social and Cultural Structure

Aspect	Kudmi Mahto Community (Jharkhand)	Onge Tribe (Andaman and Nicobar)
Social Organization	Patriarchal, clan-based society with joint and nuclear families.	Egalitarian society with strong communal bonds.
Language	Kudmali (variant of Indo-Aryan languages).	Onge (belonging to the Andamanese language family).
Marriage System	Endogamous; marriage within the community is preferred.	Strictly endogamous; marriage within the tribe is mandatory.
Religious Beliefs	Worship nature and deities like Singbonga (Sun God). Hindu influences are present.	Animism-based beliefs, worship nature and ancestral spirits.
Festivals	Karma, Sohrai, Jitia, Tusu Parab (linked to agriculture and nature).	Rituals associated with nature, hunting, and ancestors.
Dress and Ornaments	Men wear dhotis, women wear sarees; use of traditional silver and bead ornaments.	Minimal clothing; use of natural materials like leaves and animal bones.

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4. Economic Activities

4.1 Kudmi Mahto Community

• Primarily agriculturists, cultivating rice, maize, pulses, and vegetables.
• Engage in cattle rearing and dairy farming.
• Some members work as laborers in coal mines, steel industries, and urban sectors.
• Increasing involvement in small businesses and government jobs.

4.2 Onge Tribe

• Hunter-gatherers—rely on hunting wild animals, fishing, and collecting tubers, honey, and fruits.
• Traditional methods like poison fishing (using plant extracts) and spearfishing are common.
• Government intervention provides them with modern supplies, but dependency on aid has increased.

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5. Population and Demographics

Category	Kudmi Mahto Community	Onge Tribe
Estimated Population	~5-6 million (mainly in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal)	Less than 150 individuals (critically endangered)
Settlement Pattern	Rural villages, often near agricultural land.	Small settlements in forested and coastal areas of Little Andaman.
Literacy Rate	Moderate to high, with access to formal education.	Very low, education mostly through government initiatives.

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6. Challenges and Issues

6.1 Kudmi Mahto Community

• Demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for better government benefits.
• Land acquisition and displacement due to industrialization and mining.
• Preservation of cultural identity amid modernization.
• Unemployment and rural distress.

6.2 Onge Tribe

• Population decline due to disease, malnutrition, and contact with outsiders.
• Loss of traditional lifestyle and increasing dependence on government rations.
• Climate change and habitat destruction threaten survival.
• Risk of cultural extinction as younger generations are influenced by modernization.

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7. Government Policies and Welfare Measures

7.1 For Kudmi Mahto Community

• Benefits under Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
• Demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status is under consideration.
• Agricultural schemes, skill development programs, and rural employment initiatives.

7.2 For Onge Tribe

• Categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) with special protection.
• Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) works for their welfare.
• Restricted contact policy to prevent disease transmission.
• Government settlements provide rations, healthcare, and education.

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8. Conclusion

The Kudmi Mahto and Onge tribes represent two distinct socio-cultural and economic identities within India. While the Kudmi Mahto community has largely adapted to modernization while preserving its agricultural traditions, the Onge tribe faces existential threats due to population decline and loss of traditional practices. Government interventions are crucial in preserving their unique heritage, ensuring economic security, and addressing socio-political demands. A sustainable and inclusive approach is necessary to balance development with cultural preservation for both communities.