Giving a fresh impetus to endangered tribal customs: “Art forms are aboriginal and yet scientific” – Jharkhand

A cultural renaissance of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Jharkhand is not a distant dream. In an attempt to prepare a directory of their dying livelihood skills, art forms and forgotten rituals as well as to revive the same, the state art and culture department has decided to organise a five-day workshop-cum-festival soon. […] … Read more

Adivasi societies – a heterogeneous set of ethnic and tribal groups in South Asia

Adivasi (a Hindi word that literally means the original inhabitants) is a term for a heterogeneous set of ethnic and tribal groups believed to be the aboriginal population of India. Adivasi societies are present in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and other South Asian nations. Adivasi is officially recognized by the Indian government as “Scheduled Tribes” … Read more

Tip | The distinction between “folk” and “tribal” music: Cultures that are very different

OVERVIEW OF INDIAN FOLK MUSIC by David Courtney | View his illustrated, up-to-date version here >> India has a very rich tradition of folk music.  The extreme cultural diversity creates endless varieties of folk styles.  Each region has its own particular style. There is a tendency to lump folk music along with tribal music.  There … Read more

Video | Growing interest in rural and tribal culture: Where men, women and children dance together on many occasions

Sample from the search results for “santal dance video”: Women and men practicing  “Santal Folk Dance” together in a public park – Published by ansigovin on Nov 2, 2012 “Traditional Dance in South Asia” by Rolf Killius Dance and music are the oldest and most original art forms in the world and especially numerous and developed in South Asia. Thus … Read more