Munda
Munda a small ethnic community living in Sundarbans mangrove ecological zone is mere known to people of Bangladesh as well as to the social scientist. They are said to have come to this country about two hundred years ago from Ranchi and Chota Nagpur of the Bihar State of India to help reclaim land for Agriculture for Zamindars and dig lakes and ponds for them. It is estimated that there are 212 munda families in the country. They are usually known as uncivilized, backward community. The community settlement is either side by cannel or side of coastal embankment that is isolated from the mainstream community people. They are also known for their hard work as both male and female members work in the local landlord’s field for their economic subsistence. The people of Munda community share certain beliefs values behavior, habits, customs, and norms because of their common ethnic identity. This community has glorious past of hundred years, though are now in crises of cultural and ethnic identity. Many of their culture have been merged with mainstream Hindu culture. This community is under threat for their identification. Most of the Munda people are landless. Due to heavy integration with surrounding communities, they have almost lost the thread of their own heritage and are on the verge of becoming the forgotten people.
