Bhottada
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 450,771 (2011)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Odisha | 450,771[1] |
| Languages | |
| Odia,Bhatri | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
TheBhottada(also known asDhotada, Bhotra, Bhatra, Bhattara, Bhotora, Bhatara)[2]is an ethnic group found mainly in many districts ofOdishaandChhattisgarh.[3]The 2011 census showed their population to be around 450,771. They are classified as aScheduled Tribeby the Indian government.[1]
Etymology and origins
[edit]The name Bhottada is derived from the wordsBhumeaning earth andTara,meaning chase.[4]It is said that they migrated from Bastar.[3]
Subdivisions
[edit]They have a number of exogamous totemistic clans or gotras named after different animals such as tortoise, tiger, cobra, monkey, dog, lizard, goat, etc. The clan members who are of a particular animal totem respect the same animals.[3]
The clans has agnatic lineages formed as local descent groups who live close to each other in villages.[3]
The tribe is divided into two divisions calledBadaandSana.Badas are higher in social hierarchy, They claim to be of purer descent. The divisions are endogamous however nowadays intermarriage takes place between them.[3]
Culture
[edit]Marriage by negotiation is calledBibha.It is considered ideal and prestigious. It involves elaborate process and is expensive. Other ways of acquiring mates such as by elopement, by capture, by service are practised. Cross-cousin marriage, junior levirate and sororate, divorce and remarriage are permitted on reasonable grounds.[3]
They bury their dead. They worship Hindu deities and their own pantheon includes Budhi Thakurani, Bhairabi Budhi, Pardesi, Basumata, Banadurga, etc. Their chief festivals areChait Parab,Akhiturti,Nua Khiaand Dussera. The traditional chief of the village is theNaik.Assisted byChalan,PujariandGonda,he handles the community affairs. At the regional level a group of villages constitute aDeshheaded byBhat Naikand supported byPanigrahiandDesia Gondawho mitigate inter-village disputes.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^abc"Census of India Website: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India".censusindia.gov.in.Government of India.Archivedfrom the original on 7 September 2015.Retrieved23 October2017.
- ^Mhaiske, V.M.; Patil, V.K.; Narkhede, S.S. (2016).Forest Tribology And Anthropology.SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHER (IND. p. 167.ISBN978-93-86102-08-9.Retrieved2020-06-23.
- ^abcdefgscstrti, scstrti."Bhottada".Home.Retrieved2020-06-23.
- ^Singh, H.D. (1996).543 faces of India: guide to 543 parliamentary constituencies.Newmen Publishers. p. 198.ISBN9788190066907.Retrieved2020-06-23.
