While most of us in the plains are having a tough time struggling to cope with blistering heat, the Kutia-Kondh tribes of Lanjigarh in Odisha’s Kalahandi district have developed intricate strategies to endure the impact of heatwaves. These age-old and time-tested traditional methods range from application of castor oil for cooling to donning breathable attire and consuming locally cultivated foods such as millets and fermented rice, essential for maintaining hydration and warding off heat-related ailments.
Odisha is currently experiencing scorching heat since May with some towns recording temperatures as high as 47 degrees Celsius. Kalahandi district is quite famous for its extremely hot weather during summer when the maximum temperature tops 45 degrees Celsius.
This prompted a team of researchers from the Maa Manikeshwari University of Odisha to explore the effects of heatwaves and the coping mechanisms adopted by this particular tribe of Lanjigarh block’s Batelima Panchayat.
The researchers found that the Kondh tribals were drawing on traditional knowledge and practices such as constructing homes using eco-friendly materials like mud and palm leaves that helped effectively moderate indoor temperatures.
These adaptive measures highlight their profound connection to their surroundings and underscore their enduring resilience in navigating challenging climatic conditions over centuries, say research paper authors T Jyoti Rao, a research scholar, and Dr Madhulika Sahoo, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology of the Maa Manikeshwari University in the State.
They spend most of their time in forests for picking Kendu leaves, Siali leaves, Sal seeds, Mahua flowers, tamarind, etc.
During interviews with the authors, the participants said that they found it difficult to deal with the searing heat in summer as their homes which were made of mud, baked clay tiles or paddy straws, which were eco-friendly and relatively cooler during summer were replaced by concrete houses provided under government schemes.
“Participants noted an increase in incidents of sunstroke, dehydration, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion during heatwaves. In order to protect themselves from heat stress, the tribal people adopt various coping mechanisms,” said T Jyoti Rao.
The researchers noted that the community used clay and cow dung in plastering the walls and floors for cooling purposes and built heat-resistant houses by using coconut, palm leaves, paddy straws and other natural fibres as reinforcements in mud houses which have low-weight and are breathable.
Applying castor oil to hair and feet for cooling purposes, using thin cotton clothes, covering the whole body while exposed to the sun and using wet towels around the head and face while at work were the remedies followed by the tribal people.
“Millets are among the major crops cultivated by these tribes. It is a staple food for them and integral to their culture. People cultivate (ragi, makka, kusla, rice, kandul, kating, gurji, jawri) while ragijau or mandiapeja (dorcopeh) has been incorporated as a regular diet as it has a naturally cooling effect which lowers excess heat, and acidity and provides stability and energy,” says the study.
Consuming kushlabhat (a local grain) and pakhal (fermented water rice) during summer helps them combat extreme heat and prevent dehydration. They also frequently eat local greens like gandhri and borda saag (bauhinia variegata) as leafy vegetables. Additionally, they drink taadi kallu (palm nectar) to cool themselves, note the authors.
Known for his various green initiatives, Dr Heera Lal, Special Secretary, Irrigation Department of Uttar Pradesh who is not related to the study, appreciated the holistic approach adopted by the tribal community “Overall, these traditional practices whether it is about building materials, dietary habits, personal hygiene, and community support systems reflect the Kutia-Kondh’s profound understanding of their environment and their ability to adapt to harsh climatic conditions.”
Dr Heera Lal emphasised the urgent need to revert to our traditional, sustainable practices before the escalating effects of climate change threaten our very existence. “Adopting the wisdom of our ancestors in harmonising with nature is crucial to preserving our planet for future generations,” he said.
