The Kui inhabit the hilly Ghat region of Orissa State, eastern India. They speak Kui , a Dravidian language. It is believed that the Kond originally inhabited the richer coastal plains of eastern India before being driven away by Aryans. However, there have been no radical changes in the social attitudes of the people since that time. The Kui are primarily farmers.
Rice is their staple food, and it is raised both wet and dry.
The powdered stem of the turmeric plant is used as a condiment and as a yellow dye. Chickens, goats, and cattle are raised. Although Hinduism forbids that cows are eaten, the Kui sometimes slaughter their cattle for meat. They also use them for milk and for hauling heavy loads. Pigs are raised both for slaughter and for sacrifices.