Tips | Biodiversity, ethnobotany, health and nutrition

Public health and food security depend on citizens’ willingness to “use and share resources in a sustainable and equitable manner”. The nation’s “primary conservers” – often tribal farmers – are now seen as guardians of biological diversity (Genome Saviour Award); and entitled to protection under the law known as Biodiversity Act. – M S Swaminathan, the scientist … Read more

The Lambani: A pan-Indian tribal community of many names and “known for its colourful dress” – Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Orissa & West Bengal

LAMBANIS: ORIGIN AND SOCIO CULTURAL PROFILEBy Dr. K. Ramalingareddy ORIGIN OF LAMBANIS India is a land of castes and tribes. According to an estimate there arc about 427 tribal groups in the Country (Roy Burman, 1971:2). The Anthropological Survey (1967) has estimated the number at 314 considering a number of tribes to be the constituents … Read more

Learn more about tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh

When it comes to protein and calorie counts, milk and bananas do not match up to eggs, particularly for [Madhya Pradesh], where development indicators are among India’s worst: Almost 51% of children under five years of age are underweight, and 49% are stunted. The state has India’s highest infant mortality rate, i.e. the number of … Read more

Children’s books on the Irulas – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu

Source: “Review: Three new children’s books on the Irulas” by Neha Kirpal (who writes primarily on books, music, films, theatre and travel), Hindustani Times, 19 July 2024URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/review-three-new-children-s-books-on-the-irulas-101721397538195.htmlDate Visited: 10 March 2026 “Our dream is to ensure that every child in India is equipped with access to quality education, and we believe stories can make … Read more

The Kurumbar community: Discoveries in South Indian history – Tamil Nadu

References to the region go back to tribal Kurumbars in the 1st century AD – Tamil Nadu The tribe divided the region into 24 districts and built several forts. Historian Prof K V Raman says, “Places like Mylapore, Triplicane, Egmore, Pallavaram, Velacheri, Thiruvanmiyur and Nungambakkam among many others formed a vital part of the ancient … Read more