This qualitative research paper highlights how the inclusion of the cultural identity of the Dongria Kondh tribe, specifically the weaving of the Kapdaganda Shawl, as an option for alternative livelihood. The cultural significance of the Dongria Kondh tribe has deteriorated post-independence due to the interaction with mainstream society. To revive their culture, several NGOs and governmental organisations, including DKDA (Dongria Kondh Development Agency) and an NGO, Anwesha, played a prominent role in the revival of the Kapdaganda Shawl. Based on the fieldwork that has been conducted in three villages (Khambesi, Kurli, and Khajuri) of the Niyamgiri hills, this paper analyses two aspects of the Dongria Kondh society. First, it examines how the tribal culture has been shaped over time, and second, I have used the framework of Political Ecology, particularly the narrative of environmental subject and identity, to understand the formation of different subjects in Niyamgiri and their role in transforming a leisure activity to an alternative livelihood practice. In the preliminary study, I interviewed 15 respondents, and I found that although weaving is less income generative than agriculture, various stakeholders such as village women, village men, members of the Dongria Kondh weavers association, staff of DKDA (Dongria Kondh Development Agency), TDCC (Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd.) are working effortlessly to make weaving as a successful livelihood alternative. The Dongria Kondh Development Agency acts as a middleman between the weavers and TDCC (Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd.) for commercialisation of the Shawl.
