The Gadabas, a tribe belonging to the forested areas of Odissa as well as a few parts of Andhra Pradesh, have depended on streams and rivers to fish for a long time now. It is followed as a very important part of subsistence economy by them. The Dandar is the most prominent amongst the other traditional fish catching devices of the tribe. It is a handmade fish trap, with good features of utility and indigenous craftsmanship. The Dandar is a fish trap that is funnel-shaped, ingeniously crafted by trained artisans from bamboo strips used from the jungle, greatly found, and staples of tribal life. The narrow end lets fish go in, and the wider end allows water to flow freely, so it's very practical in catching fish.
Unique to Dandar is that it has been given structural reinforcement. There are three well twisted bamboo splits fitted at three parts of the trap to bind it well and strengthen the body of the trap and also that's important to maintain that funnel shape during use in the moving water. This would be really tough indeed with regard to how durable and functional it can become in different fishing environments. An openable closure, also woven from bamboo, is fastened at the broad end, making it very easy to collect the catch. Moreover, a bark handle is affixed to provide the convenience from place to place carrying and maneuvering the trap under water. The dandar speaks of the sustainable fishing techniques adopted by the Gadaba tribe over time. This is reflective of how the tribe co-exists with nature, using biodegradable, locally sourced materials to create tools that serve important daily functions without inflicting harm to the environment.