Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: NIE
Context: Munda tribals of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, protested against being denied access to their sacred groves, which have been turned into a tiger enclosure for translocated tigress Zeenat.
About Similipal Tiger Reserve:
• Location: Situated in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
• Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1979. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 under the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 under the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• Flora & Fauna: Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests with semi-evergreen patches. Hosts the highest tiger population in Odisha along with elephants and hill mynahs.
• Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests with semi-evergreen patches.
• Hosts the highest tiger population in Odisha along with elephants and hill mynahs.
• Unique Features: Waterfalls: Joranda & Barehipani waterfalls add to its scenic beauty. High Peaks: Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above sea level) are the highest peaks. Part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve: Connected with Hadgarh & Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuaries. Conservation Legacy: Known for Padma Shri Saroj Raj Chowdhury, its founder, and his fostered tigress Khairi.
• Waterfalls: Joranda & Barehipani waterfalls add to its scenic beauty.
• High Peaks: Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above sea level) are the highest peaks.
• Part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve: Connected with Hadgarh & Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Conservation Legacy: Known for Padma Shri Saroj Raj Chowdhury, its founder, and his fostered tigress Khairi.
About Munda Tribe:
• Habitat: Primarily found in Chhotanagpur Plateau covering Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Bangladesh. Additionally, Similipal Tiger Reserve is home to two indigenous tribes, the Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias, who practice traditional agriculture.
• Additionally, Similipal Tiger Reserve is home to two indigenous tribes, the Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias, who practice traditional agriculture.
• One of the largest Scheduled Tribes in India, with significant populations in Similipal Tiger Reserve.
• Historical Significance: Ancient Presence: Munda languages arrived in India 4,000 years ago from Southeast Asia. British Resistance: Munda freedom fighter Birsa Munda led anti-British revolts, advocating for Munda Raj.
• Ancient Presence: Munda languages arrived in India 4,000 years ago from Southeast Asia.
• British Resistance: Munda freedom fighter Birsa Munda led anti-British revolts, advocating for Munda Raj.
• Culture & Traditions: Clan System: Patrilineal clans (Killi), believed to descend from a common ancestor. Traditional Occupation: Hunter-gatherers turned farmers, skilled in weaving & basket-making. Sacred Groves & Rituals: Worship nature, practice animism, and conduct sacred rites at burial sites. Folk Music & Dance: Known for Sarhul festival, Karam festival, and indigenous songs & dance. Totemic Beliefs: Each clan has a totemic animal or plant, symbolizing its identity.
• Clan System: Patrilineal clans (Killi), believed to descend from a common ancestor.
• Traditional Occupation: Hunter-gatherers turned farmers, skilled in weaving & basket-making.
• Sacred Groves & Rituals: Worship nature, practice animism, and conduct sacred rites at burial sites.
• Folk Music & Dance: Known for Sarhul festival, Karam festival, and indigenous songs & dance.
• Totemic Beliefs: Each clan has a totemic animal or plant, symbolizing its identity.