‘Habitus Is the Raison D’etre of Kandha Community’: Religion Separates but Culture Unites!

Abstract

Habitus refers to traditional practices that become habitual and involve without prior reflection. This article focuses on certain evidences which help the Kandha tribe preserve their culture and heritage, in simpler words, their centuries-old way of life. Kandha identity is related to belonging to the land that provides the material gains and wealth which accords social status and, more importantly, control over the people. The Kandha of Odisha have been known not only for their resistance against the British annexation of their habitat and the banner of rebellion they raised against colonial rule but also for their religious practice of human sacrifice. After independence, the Kandha attempted to assert their position as the son of the soil, when more and more outsiders migrated to their habitat, coupled with increased access and penetration of the market and political domination. The present article is an empirical reflection on their ‘habitus’ and how any attempt to introduce changes in their familiar territory, that has managed to withstand the ravage of time, has always met with strong resistance from the community.