Gadaba or Gutub is a Mundari language spoken by the Gadaba, a Scheduled Tribe living in the Agency Area of north coastal Andhra Pradesh. They call themselves ‘Mogililu’ or ‘Modililu’ in their own dialect in the Srikakulam District. The Gadaba were formerly employed as palanquin-bearers. This tribe owes its name to the fact that its ancestors emigrated from the banks of the Gadabari (Godavari) river, and settled at Nandapur, the former capital of the Rajas of Jeypore. Their population exceeds 1,50,000 individuals, residing primarily in the districts of Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Andhra Pradesh.
Food Habits of Gadaba People:
Culinary preferences among the Gadaba people predominantly include rice and vegetables. The community adheres strictly to a vegetarian diet.
Occupation of Gadaba People:
Agriculture serves as the primary occupation for the Gadaba people, who engage in the cultivation of paddy, ragi, millet, maize, and various vegetables. Additionally, many are skilled weavers.
This community practices a unique blend of animistic beliefs and nature worship, with rituals like the “Gotar” ceremony and offerings to deities like Thakurani (represented by a stone) and other nature spirits. Gadaba women are known for wearing traditional ornaments, including those made of brass, aluminum, and gold, and wear hand-woven striped cloth called “Kerang,” made from bark fiber. They are famous for their characteristic “dhemsa” dance.
In terms of matrimonial customs, the groom is required to provide a dowry of either Rs 10,000 or Rs 15,000 to the bride’s father. During the wedding ceremony, both the bride and groom are adorned with oil mixed with turmeric powder, and water is brought from their religious leader to be sprinkled on the couple amidst musical celebrations. The majority of the Gadaba community is educated, with parents actively sending their children to school to ensure a promising future.
Education and Christianity:
Rev. Prof. Panneer Selvam appointed Mr. Raju Hayal and Sunil Kumar Chapadi as translators in 2009 for this language who were motivated by a strong desire for the Gadaba people. Translation and missionary training were given to them through IBT, and they started their translation work for this project.
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