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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Economic shifts and religious transformation in the mankirdia tribe of Mayurbhanj District, Odisha
Authors
Debasmita Sendha, Basanta Kumar Mohanta
Abstract
The Mankirdia are the semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe of Mayurbhanj
residing in the Similipal Biosphere Region of Odisha. Their livelihood mainly
depends upon the forest. Collecting NTFPs like roots, shoots, and tubers from
the forest is their primary livelihood. They collect the Siali creeper from the
forest and make rope using its bark. They are extremely skilled in catching
monkeys using the Siali rope. Their traditional occupation is gradually dying
out due to conservation policies. The Forest Rights Act 2006 seeks to reclaim
tribal rights regarding forest land and resources. Over the past few decades,
there has been a significant change in their lifestyle and belief system. After
coming into contact with the outside world, they converted to Christianity. The
present study aims to focus on how their economic transformation has influenced
religious change, leading to a reconstructed cultural identity. It revolves
around the transformation from subsistence livelihoods to market-based
activities due to deforestation and external economic processes. At the same
time, it analyses the shift from indigenous beliefs to Christianity and enables
us to explore how these processes reshape cultural identity, social structure,
and belief systems, revealing patterns of adaptation, continuity, and
syncretism among the people.
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Pages:62-65
How to cite this article:
Debasmita Sendha, Basanta Kumar Mohanta "Economic shifts and religious transformation in the mankirdia tribe of Mayurbhanj District, Odisha". International Journal of Social Research and Development, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 62-65
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