The Birhor are one of the most fascinating tribal communities of Odisha, known for their deep connection with the forest and their unique way of life. The very name “Birhor” translates to “men of the forest,” reflecting their intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Spread across districts like Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj, the Birhor are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and their traditions, livelihood practices, and cultural beliefs continue to hold a distinctive place in the tribal heritage of the state.
Traditionally, the Birhor have lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place in small bands to sustain themselves through forest produce. Their settlements, known as Tanda, consist of temporary dome-shaped huts made of leaves, called Kumbha, where about ten to fifteen families reside together. Despite the fragile and short-term nature of these dwellings, they symbolize the Birhor’s resilience and adaptability to the shifting rhythms of the forest. Their livelihood has long depended on hunting, gathering, and catching monkeys, a practice that has given them the regional name “Mankidi” or “Mankirdia.” They are also highly skilled in making ropes from the fibers of the Siali creeper, which they sell to nearby markets for sustenance.
Physically, the Birhor are characterized by short stature, dark complexions, wavy hair, and broad, flat noses, features that distinguish them within Odisha’s tribal mosaic. Beyond appearances, their culture reveals a vibrant blend of beliefs and practices. Their religion is rooted in animism, honoring spirits and natural forces, though over time, elements of Hinduism have mingled with their traditions. Some groups have also adopted Christianity, often as a result of socio-economic pressures and the search for stability.
Language plays a vital role in preserving their identity. The Birhor tongue belongs to the Mundari branch of the Austroasiatic family, linking them to other tribal groups across central and eastern India. Within their own society, they are further divided into two groups: the Uthalu, who continue to embrace their nomadic existence, and the Jagi, who have gradually settled in permanent habitations.
Despite their rich cultural heritage, the Birhor remain one of the most vulnerable communities in Odisha. Recognized as a PVTG, they face challenges such as poverty, loss of traditional livelihood, and marginalization. To address this, the government has introduced micro-projects and special initiatives aimed at their welfare and development. Their recognition as a Scheduled Tribe provides them access to protective measures, but their fragile socio-economic condition calls for continued and compassionate attention.
The Birhor embody the spirit of the forest they call home. Their leaf huts, rope-making skills, and deep-rooted traditions all speak of a life that thrives in harmony with nature. In an era of rapid modernization, they stand as a reminder of Odisha’s cultural diversity and the need to preserve the voices of its most vulnerable communities, whose stories are as much a part of the land as the forests they inhabit.
