Customs

“We have a song for every situation. We feel money takes away from the enjoyment of life. But to earn a livelihood, people have to learn other languages.” – Santal teacher Pada Murmu interviewed by Nandini Nair (OPEN Magazine, 13 January 2017)
https://openthemagazine.com/features/dispatch/santali-talking-time/
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=21581

Celebrating victory over unjust authority together with non-tribal communities: The Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara festival – Telangana

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The Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara has got bigger, with believers from various non-tribal communities participating enthusiastically, writes Manjula Kolanu Manjula Kolanu, The Hindu, February 25, 2016 | To read the full article, click here >> Assertion of independence, pride in one’s identity and an open defiance of unjust authority have long been hallmarks of Telangana history. Heroes of … Read more

The Shared Ramayana Tradition in Assam – “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (National Conference)

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Abstract 3: The Shared Ramayana Tradition in Assam Across Man-made Boundaries of Tribe, Caste and Community Paper presented for “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (National Conference) – New Delhi ARCHANA BARUADepartment of Humanities & Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati KEYWORDS: TRIBE, CASTE, RAMA-KATHA, SANKARADEVA, MADHAVA KANDALI Rama-katha is very popular among … Read more

The Mannans and the plantation zones established in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats – “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (National Conference)

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Abstract 2: The Mannans and the plantation zones established in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats Paper presented for “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (National Conference) – New Delhi  ANU KRISHNASchool of Development Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai KEYWORDS: MANNANS, PLANTATION, CARDAMOM HILLS, CULTURAL IMPERIALISM, SETTLERS Plantation is a colonial … Read more

Tattoos of central India: Traditions and folklore are being modified or declining – Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh

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‘Don’t brand me’: The Indian women saying no to forced tattoos In India, and across the world, getting a tattoo is nowadays seen as a sign of independence and rebellion. Many young people get inked to showcase their identity, what makes them distinctive and who they are. But for me, a decision to not get … Read more