Write a short note on Munda race.

The Munda race, also known as the Munda people, is one of the indigenous ethnic groups of India, predominantly found in the eastern and central regions of the country. The term "Munda" encompasses several distinct tribes, including the Santal, Ho, Oraon, and Mundari, among others. The Munda people are believed to be one of the earliest inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent, with a rich cultural heritage and a unique linguistic and socio-cultural identity.

The Munda people traditionally practiced shifting cultivation, hunting, gathering, and pastoralism, relying on their deep knowledge of local ecosystems and natural resources for sustenance. They lived in close-knit, agrarian communities organized around kinship ties and clan affiliations, with communal ownership of land and resources.

One of the distinguishing features of the Munda people is their vibrant oral tradition, which includes myths, legends, folk tales, songs, and rituals passed down through generations. These oral narratives serve as repositories of cultural knowledge, preserving Munda history, beliefs, and worldview.

The Munda people have faced various challenges and forms of marginalization over the centuries, including displacement, exploitation, and discrimination. Despite these challenges, they have maintained resilience and cultural pride, actively asserting their rights and cultural identity in the face of external pressures.

Today, the Munda people continue to uphold their cultural heritage through traditional practices, rituals, festivals, and community gatherings. Efforts to preserve and promote Munda culture and language are underway, aimed at safeguarding their unique identity and ensuring the recognition and rights of Munda communities in contemporary India.