KONDA
REDDI TRIBE - POLITY
News: Konda Reddi tribe’s indigenous knowledge of
Indian laurel tree proves resourceful
What's
in the news?
●
The indigenous wisdom of the Konda Reddi
tribe, residing in the Papikonda hill range within the Godavari region, has
demonstrated its value.
Konda
Reddi Tribe:
1.
Habitat:
●
The Konda Reddis, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, reside along the banks of the
river Godavari and in the hilly forest areas of Godavari and Khammam districts
in Andhra Pradesh.
2.
Language and Culture:
●
Their primary language is Telugu, spoken in its purest form with
a distinct accent.
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The tribe is divided into exogamous septs
for managing marital relationships.
●
Surnames are prefixed to individual names,
and certain septs have restrictions on marriage alliances.
3.
Family Structure and Marriage Practices:
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The family structure is patriarchal and patrilocal.
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While monogamy is the norm, polygamous
families exist.
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Marriage practices include negotiation,
love, elopement, service, capture, and exchange.
4.
Religion:
●
The Konda Reddi tribe follows Folk Hinduism, characterized by local
traditions and worship of community deities.
5.
Political Organization:
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Social control is maintained through the ‘Kula Panchayat’.
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Each village has a traditional headman
known as ‘Pedda Kapu’, who also serves as the village priest.
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The position of headman is hereditary.
6.
Livelihood:
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Primarily engaged in shifting cultivation.
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Dependence on forest flora and fauna for
sustenance.
●
Supplement income by collecting and
selling non-timber forest produce.
●
Main crops cultivated include jowar, which
serves as their staple food.