Let you move to Odisha. Surely,you are
thinking of either Puri, or Konark, or Chilka or Bhubaneswar. No, this time
fix your destination at Kandhamal. It is centrally located district in Odisha. It’s
a hilly district and abode of hilly tribal- Kondh, The scenic beauty is
distinct, unique and splendid. Rough and tough hills ,hillocks, streams,
exquisite flora and fauna made this region a land of treasure.
This district is dominated by tribes and schedule castes. Tribal constitute
about 51.5% of the population. The whole area is nearly rain-fed
unsuitable for growing cereal crops. You will find similarity between
Paschimanchal and Kandhamal. They are both red-lateritic. Sal trees are
common in both places. soil exhibits poor water holding capacity in both areas. the two areas are low in carbon and nitrogen but abundant in potash. I am in Kandhamal from time
immemorial. I got my natural environment there. I had been there as a natural gift. You
could collect a good number of my clans. Recently OUAT released Roma and
Surava varieties. Origin of these cultivars are from Kandhamal. Remember,three
species of mine;viz; Curcuma Longa, Curcuma auromaticale, & Curcuma
amdayijone are present there. I am loved by all habitats of Kandhamal as I am an organic entity
there. Truly, I am organic by default.
I have a terrible ,horrific history at Kandhamal. I was and still now the only means of Kandhas' livelihood. Recall those days when my fellow tribal used to collect me from jungles and come to village hats. People from Sambalpur,Ganjam,Puri and other territory states used to attend there. Kandhas used to exchange me in terms of rice and salt . I was sold to others for reaching distant places. Obviously I used to go by bullock drawn-carts.
Kandhas had had the belief that I was the bonanza of God or nature. They were always careful to appease the nature God. This belief led them to a heinous superstition. They built up a strong concept that human-sacrifice is the best way to appease God. With this they introduced Meria-festival. At the day of festival they used to cut a non-kandha boy into pieces. Those pieces were planted in the field. They had the notion that by doing so I would be more colorful and more productive and God would not betray production.
I have a terrible ,horrific history at Kandhamal. I was and still now the only means of Kandhas' livelihood. Recall those days when my fellow tribal used to collect me from jungles and come to village hats. People from Sambalpur,Ganjam,Puri and other territory states used to attend there. Kandhas used to exchange me in terms of rice and salt . I was sold to others for reaching distant places. Obviously I used to go by bullock drawn-carts.
Kandhas had had the belief that I was the bonanza of God or nature. They were always careful to appease the nature God. This belief led them to a heinous superstition. They built up a strong concept that human-sacrifice is the best way to appease God. With this they introduced Meria-festival. At the day of festival they used to cut a non-kandha boy into pieces. Those pieces were planted in the field. They had the notion that by doing so I would be more colorful and more productive and God would not betray production.
It was 1845. the report of Meria or
human-sacrifice went to the Governor General . The then Government passed an Act to stop Meria
practice.They recruited one agency to watch. Strong struggle continued for
some time. Ultimately village leaders surrendered. An agreement was made. Kandhas promised to abandon human sacrifice with the license of performing Pod-festival.
Instead of human they would sacrifice buffalo.
This practice is still in vogue.
This practice is still in vogue.
History-history is there.
Kodhs are there before Aryans. See my age.
Kodhs are there before Aryans. See my age.
