Kora (tribe)
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 263,178[1] (2011 census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| West Bengal | 159,404[1] |
| Odisha | 54,408[1] |
| Jharkhand | 32,786[1] |
| Bihar | 16,580 |
| Languages | |
| Regional languages • Koda | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism • Traditional religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Munda people | |
The Kora (also known as Kuda, Kura, Kaora, Dhangar and Dhanger)[2] are an ethnic group found in the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and the Bangladeshi division of Rajshahi.[3][4][5][failed verification] The 2011 census showed their population in India to be around 260,000. They are classified as a Scheduled Tribe by the Indian government.[1]
The tribe's name Kora and its alternate spellings are possibly originated from Mundari word for earthworks "Koda" .[2]
History
It is speculated that they are an off shoot of Munda tribe.[3] Risley (1894) classified them as a "Hinduised" caste. The Kora are noted for their traditional skills and primary occupation in various earth works such as cutting soil and digging tanks. In course of time they also been engaged in Catechu-making as a professions. This is one of the origins of their alternative names Khaira or Khayra. Now most of them are in farming.[4]
Subdivisions
The tribe is divided into several endogamous groups. The Kora of Odisha claim that they belong to the Suryavansi group while Koras of Santhal Parganas claim to be Nagwanshi.[4][2] They are further sub-divided into a number of exogamous septs called gotras such as Kaich, Mankad, Khapur, Dhan, Nun, Adower, Nag, Maghi, Prodhan, Bagha, Bahera, etc. These are further divided into patriarchal lineages.[4]
