Juang

A sketch of Juanga people in 1872
Total population
47,095 (2011)[1]
Regions with significant populations
India Odisha
Languages
Juang language
Religion
Hinduism• Sarnaism
Related ethnic groups
Munda• Ho, Santhal •Mon-Khmer people

The Juang are an Austroasiatic ethnic group found only in the Gonsaika hills of Keonjhar district of Odisha. Some Juangs, however migrated to neighbouring plains of Dhenkanal district of Odisha during the Bhuiyan revolt in the late 19th century. The Juang language belongs to the Munda family^{[citation needed]} of the Austroasiatic languages. They are classified as a Scheduled Tribe by the Indian government.^[1] The 2011 census showed their population to be around 50,000.

History

The Juang tradition claims that the place where the tribe originated from the earth are the Gonasika Hills, near Keonjhar, at the source of the Baitarani River.^[2] After the British declared their forests as reserves, the Juangs were forced to look for an alternative way of sustainance. They were skilled at basket-weaving, which was in demand in nearby caste villages. The Juangs would exchange their baskets for salt, oil, food, money from the village traders.^[3]

Culture

Their traditional folk dance included vigorous dances mimicking birds and other animals.^[4] They celebrate festival such as Pusha Purnima, Amba Nuakhia, Pirha Puja, Akhaya Trutiya, Asarhi, Gahma etc.^[5]

Formerly the Juang used to be also known as Patuas, literally "leaf-wearers". Traditionally the women wore girdles of leaves,^[6][7] while the men wore a small loincloth.