Ecological elements in the songs of the Poraja and the ancient Tamils - Merlin Franco, F. and D. Narasimhan

Poraja is a Dravidian tribe found in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. The Poraja folk songs reflect nature in various conditions and use ecological elements extensively. This paper brings out the similarity in the usage of ecological elements in songs of the Poraja and in cagkam literature of Tamil Nadu.  The Poraja believe in the existence of forest goddesses for whom, the existence of forests is vital. This is similar to the concept of ‘kaaTamar celvi’ of cagkam literature. In both the Poraja as well as cagkam tradition, natural happenings are used as metaphors to explain the human mood. Offering “paan” is considered as wooing in Poraja culture whereas the same is recited with a negative connotation in cagkam literature. These similarities could be because of the common Dravidian base from which both the traditions had arisen. 

Indian Journal of Eco-criticism (IJE),

Vol. 1. Aug. 2008. 49-54                                                                  

Relationship between Four Tribal Communities and their Natural Resources in the Koraput Region

Relationship between Four Tribal Communities and their Natural Resources in the Koraput Region

F. Merlin Franco, D. Narasimhan and William Stanley

Abstract

In this paper, we look into the relationship that exist between four tribal communities viz. the Kondh, Poraja, Gadaba and Bonda of the Koraput region with their natural resources. Eucalyptus globulus Labill., when introduced into the tribal ecosystem is rejected by the community and so is Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn ex Benth., while another tree Pterospermum acerifolium Willd. when introduced is readily accepted by the community. A new water reservoir makes fish readily available to the community and the community incorporates the new resource into their culture. The Bonda spare a few tree species from the axe while clearing the forests for shifting cultivation. The possible philosophy behind these actions is discussed.

Published in Ethnobotany Research & Applications 6:481-485 (2008). Available at http://lib-ojs3.lib.sfu.ca:8114/index.php/era/article/view/199

Plant names and uses as indicators of knowledge patterns

Plant names and uses as indicators of knowledge patterns

Merlin Franco F & D Narasimhan

Cross-cultural comparison of ethnobotanical knowledge of various communities can bring out the different patterns of knowledge held by them. The paper looks into the knowledge patterns among the Kondh, Poraja, Hill Bonda and Gadaba of the Koraput region by comparing their knowledge on 20 different plants.

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge , Vol. 8 (4), October 2009, pp. 645-648. Available at http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/6289/1/IJTK%208(4)%20645-648.pdf