An Aesthetic World of Dongria Kondhs

Its already 4 in the morning. Dongria Kondhs are early birds. I can see a lot of their community members gathering at center location of the village. Soon they will disperse for their daily work. The whole family works and eats together in the field. They generally travel to their orchards and collect fruits, which are either for sale or for their own consumption. The younger generation is more inclined to help their parents in the field or at home. Kumtadi, who was standing just behind me informed that Dongria Kondhs normally practice shifting cultivation. 'Agyan', Dongria grow a variety of crops which include fruits, vegetables, pulses and cereals. A Haru (piece of land) is cultivated for about four years and than left for another 4-5 years for it's regeneration. What a natural process.

I saw Majhi coming from a distance along with 4-5 members of his community. All of them were carrying a small basket on their head. When he came close I could see these baskets filled with fruits and vegetables. Majhi was looking very happy, as he was returning a favour by handing over these fruits and vegetable to one of the Dongria friend in the village. Majhi smiled and said, 'Agyan' you too have got up very early, like us. He showed me the quality of fruits which were very good. Kumtadi told me that not all fruits are used for consumption or barter, some of them are sold in market also, but they are very less. We normally exchange fruits in our own community only. Barter is quite famous in Dongria community, Majhi informed.

Kumtadi wanted me to meet some of the women of her community in another village. She asked me get ready fast, as they would be waiting for us. I got ready and moved with Kumtadi. On the way Kumtadi told me that Dongria Kondhs live in close harmony with nature, and that is the reason that they have developed natural arts within them. The colours , lifestyle, our dresses, ornaments, dance, music and in our crafts, you will find a theme directly resembling nature. The Dongria women are extremely good artist, and they make beautiful embroidered shawls called "Kapda Ganda". This embroidery is very neat and has sharp piece of needle work and is always filled with bright natural colours. The Dongria women also like playing traditional musical instruments called "Goani". Dongria women like singing, dancing and celebrating the occasions. Suddenly I could hear Kumtadi singing. It was like a singing of Humming Bird that hums during rains. Kumtadi was custodian of a soft voice, which had a heart of simplicity, honesty and rhythm of nature. She was smiling and continued singing till we reached the near by village. I tried matching her voice so many times, but failed to come up to her level. This was very rare, that I enjoyed loosing to a traditional woman.

I could see 7-8 women of Dongria Kondh community waiting with scores of Traditional Embroidery Work, Earrings, Bangles, Goani, Dhapu (a drum instrument) and colourful costumes. What an amazing collection and combinations. They are world class designers of their own traditional art.

I was amazed to see the minute work the women of Dongria Kondh were doing. They were working in groups like a Self Help Group and producing the best of their traditional art. The colour combinations of the minute work and finishing were enough to compare them with any professional hand. I could easily make out that given a chance their traditional art can surely become a strong alternate source of their income. When asked Kumtadi informed that like fruits, theses pieces of traditional art are used for barter only but a small number is also sold in the market.

Why confine this tremendous art only within the community, and why not it be admired and shared with millions of art appreciators. I was thinking of a mode through which their traditional art would get them better economic results. What they need is an organized way of marketing and promotion of the products. I decided to speak to Majhi about this issue. I was sure he would able to convince them.

I wanted to see the songs and dances of Dongria women in a group. Kumtadi smiled and said, 'Agyan' they will not dance in front of the elders. I noticed few elderly people were sitting and adjusting the drums and other traditional music instruments. Perhaps, they could hear me and they instantly left.

I could see my request of a group dance being accepted. Their voice echoed in the Niyamgiri Hills and the rhythm of their steps actually blossomed the land.

It was so divine to be with the community which is practically away from all controversies, but dragged into it by some very mean and selfish interests.


The journey continues....................