Hidden deep within the hills of Malkangiri district in Odisha lives the Bonda tribe, one of India’s most ancient and intriguing indigenous communities. Mostly concentrated in the Khairaput block, the Bondas, also known as Bondo, Bonda Paraja, or Bhonda have preserved a way of life that is both timeless and richly distinct. Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), they are believed to be among the earliest settlers in India, tracing their ancestry to the Austroasiatic race.
Their identity begins with their language, Remo, an Austroasiatic tongue that sets them apart from mainstream Indian linguistic traditions. Its uniqueness, while culturally precious, creates a natural barrier between them and the outside world. Yet this isolation has also protected their customs, stories, and rituals for generations.
The Bondas are divided into two cultural groups: the Lower Bondas, who live near the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and the Upper Bondas, who inhabit the remote, elevated regions of Malkangiri. Despite geographical separation, their social systems remain deeply intertwined. At the heart of every Bonda village is a council of elders who guide the community, uphold traditions, and ensure cultural continuity.
Their settlements are small and close-knit, built around communal spaces where gatherings, ceremonies, and discussions take place. The architecture reflects their understanding of the land, mud houses with thatched roofs that blend seamlessly into the mountainous terrain and withstand the region’s climatic conditions.
Art and aesthetics form an integral part of Bonda identity. Their craftsmanship is visible in the decorative tools and utensils they create, and even more so in their vibrant attire. Bonda women are easily recognized by their colorful bead necklaces, aluminum rings, and traditional fabrics, paired with their cropped hairstyles. Their semi-clad appearance symbolizes tradition rather than modesty in the conventional sense. Bonda men, meanwhile, often carry traditional weapons, reminiscent of their ancestral roles as protectors.
Their spiritual world is deeply connected to nature. The Bondas follow an animistic belief system, centered on the worship of natural elements and ancestral spirits. Forests, hills, and streams are not just surroundings, they are living forces that guide their rituals and daily life.
Economically, the tribe depends on subsistence agriculture, hunting, and gathering. Their close relationship with the forest sustains them but also contributes to socio-economic vulnerabilities. Literacy rates among the Bondas remain very low, around six percent and their life expectancy continues to be one of the lowest among tribal groups in India, placing them at risk of gradual decline.
Yet, despite the challenges, the Bonda tribe stands as a resilient symbol of India’s indigenous heritage. Their traditions, language, and ways of living reflect a cultural legacy that has endured for centuries. In an era of rapid change, the Bondas remind us of the beauty and fragility of our tribal cultures, treasures that deserve both respect and protection.