Saora Tribe: Culture, Traditions, and their History

Learn about the Saora Tribe, one of India’s oldest indigenous communities, known for their rich traditions, vibrant art, unique customs, and deep connection to nature.

Table of Contents

Saora Tribe

Saora Tribe is one of the ancient tribes of Odisha, which is also mentioned in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
They are called by various names such as Savaras, Sabaras, Saura, Sora, etc.
They have their own native language called Sora.
They are one of the very few tribes of India that have a script for the language, Sorang Sompeng.

Types of Saora People

There are only 2 types of Saora:

Lanjia Saora- who live on the hills and still practice their unique customs and traditions.
Sudha Saora- who lives in the plains and has assimilated into the mainstream society.

Key Facts about Saora Tribe

Origins and Language

Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata mention the Saoras’ ancient ancestry. The Munda language they speak is called Sora, and it is a member of the Austroasiatic language family.

Traditions and Culture

The Saora people have a strong connection to the natural world. They revere ancestors, spirits, and natural elements as part of their animism. They have complex and vibrant celebrations and ceremonies, like Goroj Puni and Idu.

Art and Craft

Saura paintings, a type of Saora tribal art, are highly valued for their profound yet straightforward representations of nature, life, and the gods. These paintings, which include geometrical patterns and symbolic human and animal motifs, are frequently produced as a part of religious ceremonies.

Livelihood

Their traditional means of subsistence include collecting forest products, making handicrafts, and engaging in shifting agriculture, sometimes known as slash-and-burn farming. These days, they also work for pay and practice settled agriculture.

Social Structure

Village elders lead a council system in the Saora culture, which is divided into clans. Kinship ties are strong, and marriages are customarily planned.

Challenges

The Saora people confront difficulties like economic hardship, displacement, and the loss of their ancestral lands as a result of deforestation and modernity, despite their rich cultural legacy.