Khonds are chiefly residing in the densely wooded hill slopes in the scheduled areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh. They are also known as Samantha, Konda Kodu, Jatapu, Jatapu Dora, Kodi, Kodhu, Kondu and Kuinga. These terms are used for Khonds in different areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. The Khonds call themselves in their own dialect as Kuinga or Kui Dora. Their population according to 1991 census is 66,629. The total literacy rate among Khond is 5.19. The Khonds are divided into the following Sub-tribes.

1. Dongria Khond,

2. Desya Khond,

3. Kuttiya Khond,

4. Tikiria Khond,

5. Yeneti Khond.

Each sub tribe of Khond tribe is divided into a number of clans. Each clan has a distinct name and matrimonial alliances are permitted basing on clan names. Monogamy is the rule. Polygyny is rare. Both levirate and junior sororate are in existence.

Marriage by exchange, marriage by elopement and by service are socially approved ways of acquiring mates. The consumption of beef and pork is not traditionally forbidden. They have their own dialect called Kui or Kuvi. But the Khonds living in Srikakulam are equally proficient in Telugu and Khonds in Araku and other bordering areas are multilingual.

The Khonds have a tribal council usually consisting of four or five members headed by a man called Havanta, whose office is hereditary. The members of the council are selected. The main functions of the council are settlement of disputes on marriage, land and other property.

The Khonds mainly subsist on cultivation. They are experts in Podu cultivation. They grow millets like Ragi, Sama and Korra and oil seeds like niger, castor and pulses like red gram in podu fields. They are adept in hunting and fishing also. They are well versed in handicrafts like basket and mat weaving, oil extraction etc. They celebrate festivals called 'Hira parbu (seed charming) 'Maha parbu (new mango fruit eating), Kumda parbu (consuming maize and pumpkin products) etc.,

Khonds perform a folk dance called 'Mayura' (peacock dance) which is an imitation of movements of peacock on every festive and marriage occasions.