Crafts & visual arts

“During our biggest festival ‘Sorhai’ there were decoration on the walls with flower designs, bird and animal figures. I saw my mother and sister drawing red and blue lines on the walls by climbing on the bamboo ladder. [C]enturies-old traditional knowledge and art of building low-cost-no-cost mud-houses and the related skills and crafts, like wall paintings die out.” – Boro Baski in “Is ‘brick house’ the only sign of development?” (translated from an article in Bengali Anandabazar Patrika, 21 July 2019)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=29829

Natural beauty and sustainability through people-centric forest management: A strong Adivasi movement that keeps the momentum going – Maharashtra

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From ever green forests of western ghats to deciduous forest of Vidarbha, each region is bestowed with unique natural beauty. Jewels in the crown are the tiger reserves like Tadoba, Melghat, Pench and Sahyandri. Mowgli Land is inviting you, on the backwaters of Totladoh lake, in Pench National Park Learn more: http://www.mahaecotourism.gov.in/Site/Common/nationalParks.aspx Welcome to Maharashtra Forest … Read more

eBook | Santals as a community: A brief introduction to their culture and approach to development

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A brief introduction of Santal life and culture and our approach to developmentby Dr. Boro Baski | Read the full text (PDF, 130 KB): A brief introduction of Santal life and culture and our approach to development >> Santals as a community We, the Santals are one of the largest homogeneous tribal communities of India, counting more … Read more

Video | “Kanavu: A School with A Difference” (Wayanad) for and by tribal communities in tune with their environment – Kerala

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Once they were the owners of these lands, All these vast expanses of forests, mountains and valleys belonged to them, and they lived of the fruits of nature without disturbing its harmony. Their rhythm of life was in tandem with the tunes of their environment. A rhythm that echoes in their music. Their music and … Read more

Toda embroidery: an ancient art thriving in the Nilgiris – Tamil Nadu

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The ancient Toda community people are the residents of Nilgiris that means ‘Blue Mountains’, popularly known as Ooty. Nilgiris is the abode of many interesting tribes and prominent among them are Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, Irulas, Mullukurumbas and Paniyans. These Todas are said to be of pastoral community and speak Toda language, belonging to Dravidian family … Read more

Sounding like a tiger: Rare musical instruments of Bardoli region – Gujarat

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SURAT: Even as the government spends crores on promoting tourism, its most ancient folk culture is dying a slow death. Within villages around Dang, traditional instruments and artists are waning. Cultural music and dance forms among the adivasis have evolved over centuries. Beautified by elements and nuances of their surroundings, these forms depict their very … Read more