A PVTG of Odisha.
Location : Mayurbhanj (Northern Plateau Zone)
Language: Austro-Asiatic / Munda
Occupation: Collection and processing of honey, resin, arrowroot, Broom stick making, Mat making, Khali stitching and pressing
Techno-Economic Stages: Hunter-Gatherers
Socio-Cultural Features
The Hill Kharia locally known as Pahadi Kharia is a highland semi nomadic tribal group. Their traditional occupation was to till the soil and carry banghy. The term 'Kharia' is derived from kharkharia which meansa palanquin or litter. The Kharias are named so according to their tradition that their first ancestors carried a banghy (carrying pole). The Hill Kharias claim themselves as the autochthones of Mayurbhanj hills. Mainly they depend on food gathering and hunting.They also practise cultivation in small chunks of lands. Women usually weave mats from date palm and splits of bamboo for dying mango jelly. They also make leaf plate and cups for their personal use.