Kui
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Kui (also known as Kandha, Khondi, Khond, Khondo, Kanda, Kodu, Kodulu, Kuinga, and Kuy) is a South-Central Dravidian language spoken by the Kandhas in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Kui language is closely related to the Gondi and Kuvi languages. The Khonds, who speak Kui, are an indigenous Dravidian tribal community in India. According to the 2011 Census, their total population was 1,743,406, with the majority (93.35%) residing in Odisha, 5.92% in Andhra Pradesh, and approximately 10,000 in Chhattisgarh. In other states, their population is below 1,000. Traditionally hunter-gatherers, the Khonds are classified into two census groups: hill-dwelling Khonds and plain-dwelling Khonds. However, the Khonds identify themselves primarily by their specific clans. Despite possessing vast tracts of fertile land, many Khonds continue to engage in hunting, gathering, and slash-and-burn agriculture, practices that reflect their connection to the forests and their assertion of ownership over these lands.
The Khonds form the largest tribal group in Odisha and are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, martial traditions, and indigenous values, which emphasize living in harmony with nature. In Kandhamal district, where Khonds make up 55% of the population, the region itself is named after the tribe. The Khonds also have a history of resistance, notably revolting against British colonial rule in 1846 due to fears of annexation. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, the Khonds are present in eight Indian states: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Khond society is organized into clans that emphasize exogamy, with women enjoying equal rights in property ownership and marriage decisions. Their traditional religious practices included totemism, animism, and nature worship. Over time, many Khonds adopted Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam while maintaining a distinct tribal identity.
Economically, the Khonds rely on forest resources, subsistence agriculture, and horticulture. Kandhamal turmeric, a product of their region, has been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status. However, the community has faced social conflicts, including land disputes and communal unrest, often exacerbated by resource exploitation and external influences. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Khonds remain a resilient and politically influential tribal group in Odisha. Their steadfast efforts to preserve their identity and environment stand as a testament to their cultural strength and adaptability.