Kandha Tribe

Source: TH

Context: Kandha women in Odisha’s Kandhamal district are increasingly abandoning the centuries-old tradition of facial tattooing, once practiced as a form of protection against exploitation.

About Kandha Tribe:

• Who are the Kandha?

• Kandha (or Khond) is the largest tribal community in Odisha, mainly residing in Kandhamal, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput districts. They speak Kui or Kuvi — both Dravidian languages. The term “Kandha” is derived from Telugu “Konda” meaning hill, denoting their origins as forest dwellers.

• Kandha (or Khond) is the largest tribal community in Odisha, mainly residing in Kandhamal, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput districts.

• They speak Kui or Kuvi — both Dravidian languages.

• The term “Kandha” is derived from Telugu “Konda” meaning hill, denoting their origins as forest dwellers.

• Sub-Groups: Include Desia Kandha, Dongria Kandha, Kutia Kandha (the latter two classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups – PVTGs).

About Facial Tattoo Tradition among Kandha Women:

• Origin and Purpose:

• Began as a protective practice: Women tattooed their faces with dark, geometric patterns to appear unattractive and avoid sexual exploitation by local landlords and colonial forces. It later evolved into a cultural identity marker — tattoos became essential for marital eligibility and community acceptance.

• Began as a protective practice: Women tattooed their faces with dark, geometric patterns to appear unattractive and avoid sexual exploitation by local landlords and colonial forces.

• It later evolved into a cultural identity marker — tattoos became essential for marital eligibility and community acceptance.

• Painful Ritual:

• Girls, usually around 10 years old, endured hours of facial piercing with crude tools. The painful process led to severe swelling and infection, lasting weeks. Silver ear-rings were also worn to denote marital status.

• Girls, usually around 10 years old, endured hours of facial piercing with crude tools.

• The painful process led to severe swelling and infection, lasting weeks.

• Silver ear-rings were also worn to denote marital status.

• Current Status:

• Practically vanished among women under 40, due to awareness campaigns and educational interventions since the 1990s. The practice is no longer seen as necessary or relevant by younger generations.

• Practically vanished among women under 40, due to awareness campaigns and educational interventions since the 1990s.

• The practice is no longer seen as necessary or relevant by younger generations.