Food Habits as a medium of Socialization among the Dongria Kondh: A Sociological Study of Traditional and Changing Food Habits

Abstract

The food practices of tribes in India more dependent upon forest and agriculture .All there food practices are based on agriculture along with nature based products. Study documents the food knowledge among Dongria Kondh and examines food practices as a process of socialization. Qualitative approach has been used, to analyses food habits connected with Niyamgiri Hill. 19 number of traditionally prepared dishes by the Dongria Kondh has been documented through unstructured interviews, focused group discussion and participant observation. The findings denotes that the Dongria Kondh food habits is based on a varieties of millets, rice, maize, pulses, vegetables, fruits, roots, tubers, mushrooms, fish, meat, minor forest produce and traditional drinks. Food is also central to ritual and social life, as cereals, meat, liquor and forest products are offered to deities and ancestral sprits and shared during festivities and Ceremonial feasts. The Dongria food system therefore combines cultural continuity with growing nutritional, economic and ecological sensitivity. However, subsidized rice, market integration, commercial horticulture, changing preferences, restricted forest access and declining culturally significant crops are transforming food habits. Therefore, the study highlights that this transformation may weaken Pathways of food-based socialization and Indigenous ecological knowledge. It highlights the need to recognize and strengthen traditional food systems as vital resources for cultural continuity, social cohesion, livelihood security and sustainable community development.