Ravana and His Tribe

Summary

The study examines the names and tribal identities of the Kuis and their connection to the Raksasas in the *Ramayana*. The Kuis, known to themselves as "Kui," are referred to as "Khonds" by Telugu neighbors and "Kandhs" by Oriyas. Scholars like Caldwell and Grierson debated the origins of "Kui," suggesting possible links to "Koi" (a Gond term) or "Kundra" (a hill), though these connections remain uncertain. The name "Kui" likely derives from a word meaning "fighting," reflected in their weapon, *Kuridri*, and their aggressive nature. Ethnologically, the Kuis are considered descendants of the Raksasas of Lanka, a name associated with cannibalism in the epic. The *Ramayana* describes three Raksasa clans: the Viradha clan (descended from Java and Satahrada), the Kabandha clan (descended from Danu), and the Lankans (cruelest and strongest). The term "Raksasa" is linked to blood-drinking, with Telugu and Dravidian variants like "Rakasi" and "Rakkasi" meaning "blood-drinker." The word evolved into Sanskrit as "Raksasa," adopted metaphorically to denote flesh-eaters. The epic portrays Raksasas as cannibals, exemplified by Viradha’s human flesh consumption and Ravana’s threat to Sita. This aligns with the Kuis’ self-designation as "Kui," reflecting their martial disposition. The study concludes that "Raksasa" likely originated from a Dravidian root meaning "blood," later adapted into Sanskrit and Ary