Anthropology

“[I]ndigenous people in India also feel the claustrophobic confines of their identity which has been imposed on them by others, be it the colonial administrator, the colonial anthropologist.” – Santali poet, scholar and translator Ivy Imogene Hansdak in “Is tribal identity relevant in today’s world?”, Inaugural Speech, National Conference “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (2017)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=23032

Architectural marvels from different communities: Tribal Habitat, “a laboratory for various practical experiences” (National Museum of Mankind, IGRMS Bhopal) – Madhya Pradesh

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This exhibitions includes the unique dwelling types of architectural marvels from different tribal communities from the Gangetic plains of Uttaranchal, lush green forest areas of North-east India, the arid region of western India, plateau region of central India, hilly tracts of eastern India, the Nilgiri (blue-mountain) tracts of South western India etc. Presently, there are … Read more

Video | The Birhor tribe: A hunting and food gathering tribe of central India – Bihar

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The video contains a documentation of Birhor Tribe of Bihar. The Birhor Community, hunting and food gathering tribe of Bihar, Central India. Living in leaf huts called kumbhas, the Birhor maintain their close links with nature and still rely on hunting and food gathering as a mode of subsistence. The film gives glimpses of community … Read more

India’s tribal cultural heritage – Lakshadweep

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Lakshadweep, which is a land in the deep Arabian Sea and is a part of the Indian Subcontinent, is recognised as the smallest Union Territory of India. The UT has one Lok Sabha constituency which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST). Lakshadweep is a Lok Sabha / Parliamentary constituency in region of Lakshadweep in South … Read more

Dravidian migration, Sumerian linguistic and cultural affinities – Tamil Nadu

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According to Prof Velupillay the Tamils can be defined as people having Tamil as their mother tongue. Tamil language is a member of the Dravidian family of languages. The name given to the family came from a very early reference in Regveda, where the Sanskrit word “Dravida” was used to refer to one of the … Read more

Video | Deowal Chitra & Alpana: Santal art reflecting “simplicity, honesty and a quiet vigour” – West Bengal

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The Santhals, a proto-Austroloid racial group, is the largest tribe in West Bengal. Although they reside in several districts of West Bengal, Purulia District is one of the major areas where Santhals are found after Paschim Mednipur district. The primary occupation of Santhals is daily agricultural and manual labour. Santhal religion worships Marang Buru or … Read more