ওরাওঁ জনগোষ্ঠীর খাদ্য-সংস্কৃতি : ঐতিহ্য, বিবর্তন এবং আর্থ-সামাজিক প্রেক্ষাপট / Food Culture of the Oraon Community : Tradition, Evolution, and Socio-Economic Context

Abstract

Food culture is a vital marker of a community’s identity, reflecting its geographical, economic, and religious positioning. This study explores the food habits, drinks, and intoxicants of the Oraon community, whose primary habitations span across Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and other parts of India. Traditionally originating from regions like Karnataka and the Chota Nagpur plateau, the Oraon’s possess a culinary heritage that has evolved through migration and socio-economic shifts.  

          The research categorizes Oraon food into three segments: daily staples, preserved foods, and ritualistic offerings. Rice (Mandi) remains their primary staple, prepared in various forms such as Amri Mandi (starch-inclusive rice), Bothal Mandi (fermented rice), and Chah Amme Mandi (salt-tea rice). Their diet is notably inclusive, featuring various meats, fish, snails (Ghunghee), and forest-derived greens, although certain taboos persist due to totemistic beliefs. 

          A significant portion of the paper highlights the impact of the tea industry on their diet. As many Oraons migrated to work as labourers in tea gardens, ingredients like tea leaves and tea flowers (Cha Phul) became integral to their kitchen. The study also reveals how economic constraints are reflected in their food choices, such as the use of rice starch as a vegetable base (Amri Amkhi) and the preference for salted red tea over milk tea.  

          Furthermore, the research delves into the cultural significance of Hariya (fermented rice beer), which is not merely an intoxicant but a mandatory component of Oraon rituals, including births, weddings, and funerals. By analysing traditional items like Chirka Asma (resembling South Indian Dosa), the paper traces the community's migratory path and Dravidian roots. Ultimately, the Oraon food culture emerges as a resilient blend of ancient traditions and adaptations to contemporary socio-economic realities.