Banjara Tribe of Kalahandi- Culture, Rituals and Religion Book Review

• Title: Banjara Tribe of Kalahandi: Culture, Rituals and Religion
• Author: Dr. Geetanjali Panda
• Publisher: Kaveri Books; First Edition, published in 2021
• Format: Hardcover, 187 pages, includes bibliography and index, approximate dimensions 23 cm
• Scope: An anthropological exploration of the Banjara communities in the Koksara block of Kalahandi district, Odisha—focusing on their migration, religious beliefs, life-cycle rituals, and evolving contemporary practices.

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Content and Strengths

1. Migration and Settlement

The book traces the Banjaras’ journey from Rajasthan through Madhya Pradesh and Bihar before settling in Western Odisha, illuminating their linguistic heritage as preserved in the unique “Banjari” dialect.

2. Anthropology of Culture and Ritual

Dr. Panda presents a rich tapestry of ritualistic life—birth, marriage, death, and seasonal ceremonies—through structured case studies. These ethnographic insights help readers understand how traditions adapt amid contemporary influences.

3. Religion, Belief Systems & Worldview

The author delves into the cosmological frameworks of the Banjara people: their ancestral worship, sacred rites, and spiritual identity, offering a comprehensive picture of their worldview and continuity with broader Indian tribal traditions.

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Critical Evaluation

Pros:

• Grounded Ethnographic Research: The work’s authenticity stems from focused fieldwork in Kalahandi’s Koksara region, offering granular cultural understanding not commonly found in broader surveys.
• Holistic Viewpoint: By weaving together migration, rituals, language, and religion, the author presents a well-rounded portrait of Banjara identity.

Limitations:

• Geographic Specificity: The narrow focus on one block may limit the applicability of findings to other Banjara communities across India.
• Academic Depth vs. Accessibility: While detailed and informative, the book may be dense for casual readers unfamiliar with anthropological terminology.

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Why This Book Matters

Dr. Panda’s work fills a significant scholarly void by spotlighting a lesser-studied Banjara subgroup in Odisha. It serves multiple valuable purposes:

• For Researchers & Students: An essential case study in tribal anthropology, linguistic preservation, and ritualistic traditions.
• For Cultural Enthusiasts: Offers a meaningful window into the lived experiences and spiritual matrix of a resilient nomadic community.
• For Policy & Heritage Advocates: Underlines the urgent need to document, respect, and preserve tribal cultural expressions and identities in an evolving India.

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Suggested Additions (for potential editions or future research)

• Comparative Analyses: Integrating case data from Banjara groups in other states (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) could enrich understanding of regional diversity.
• Visual Ethnography: Adding photos or illustrations of rituals, attire, or artifacts would elevate engagement and provide visual context.

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Conclusion

Banjara Tribe of Kalahandi: Culture, Rituals and Religion is a thoughtfully researched and richly detailed ethnographic work. It honors the unique heritage of Odisha’s Banjara community while enhancing awareness of tribal identities in Indian anthropology.