Koya Tribe:
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Koya tribe is the largest adivasi tribe of Telangana and listed as Scheduled Tribe in Telangana.
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The community is spread across Telugu speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
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Koyas popularly call themselves as Dorala Sattam (Lords group) and Putta Dora (original lords). Koyas call themselves “Koitur” in their dialect, like Gonds.
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Habitat and livelihood:
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The Godavari and Sabari rivers which are flowing through their area of habitation exercise profound influence on Koyas’ economic, social and cultural life.
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The Koyas are mainly settled cultivators. They grow Jowar, Ragi, Bajra and other millets.
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Language:
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Many koya People have forgotten their Koya Dialect and adopted Telugu as their mother tongue but some in other parts still speak Koya dialect.
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Religion and festival:
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Lord Bhima, Korra Rajulu, Mamili and Potaraju are the important deities to Koyas.
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Their main festivals are Vijji Pandum (seeds charming festival) and Kondala Kolupu (festival to appease Hill deities).
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Koyas perform a robust colourful dance called Permakok ata (Bison horn dance) during festivals and marriage ceremonies.
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