TRIBAL religion IN THE 19TH CENTURY ORISSA A HISTORICAL STUDY

Abstract

Orissa (now spelled as Odisha) was one of the fascinating ethnographic newlineStates in the country. There were sixty-two different tribal groups in the state newlinewhose population was about 23% of the total population of the state. Religion newlineplayed an important role in the tribal society of Orissa. The amazing newlineconglomeration of traditions, beliefs and philosophies put together constituted newlineand vitalized the religion of the tribes has descended from antiquity. It continued newlinealmost unimpaired to the present day. Every facet of their life covering the newlineactivities round the year was intimately connected with their religion. It was this newlineaspect of their culture that gave meaning and depth to their lives and also newlinesolidarity to their social structure. The world of tribal religion was a complex one. newlineThe pantheon of the tribals of Orissa was full of Gods, ancestors and other unseen newlinebeings. The tribal people believed that many of their deities were malicious, bent newlineon causing mischief, and hence a menance to the tribal community. newlineThe sizeable concentration of tribal communities in the whole world newline