Koya Community

The Koya live in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River, which lies in the central Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They are said to have migrated to central India from their original home in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Their main language is called Koyi, which is closely related to Gondi. The Koya are one of the few multiracial and multi-lingual tribal communities in India. Occupationally most of them are farmers; others weave bamboo baskets and sell them. They are excellent hunters.

NEG-FIRE Intervention Presence: Godavari District of AP