Traditional Alcoholic Beverages of Bonda Tribe in Odisha, India: Evidences from the Field

Abstract Alcoholic-beverages have been used by the tribes since ages. Bonda is one of the 62 STs and 13 PVTGs of Odisha, who reside in the southern part of the state. Historically, a number of alcoholic beverages have been produced by the Bonda which is consumed widely and used in the socio-economic and cultural events. Current times evidence the production and use of traditional beverages gradually giving way to modern alcoholic drinks. In this context this paper tries to document different types of traditional alcoholic-beverages produced, consumed and used by the Bonda. The data were collected through community-based research in four villages under Khairaput block of Malkangiri, Odisha. The study found that 23 types of alcoholic-beverages are produced by the Bonda households, who derive economic security there from. But, the production, consumption and use of traditional alcoholic-beverages are on the decline and this paper suggests institutional support for the malady.