Yelagiri’s traditional architecture: Tribal huts compare favourably with concrete structures – Tamil Nadu

On a gigantic rock at Pallakaniyur sits an example of Yelagiri’s own piece of traditional architecture, passed on for generations together. The dwelling of Govindasamy, with its unique structural design and construction techniques stands proof of the tribal culture of Yelagiri Hills. Govindasamy, a coolie, does not know when his house was constructed. “This has … Read more

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

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

Tribal villages, artisans and modern art – Chhattisgarh

India Today, July 14, 2011 Tribal villagesIt is truly an enriching human experience to visit a tribal village. Generally these picturesque villages of mud huts painted bright blue, and paths marked by artistic wooden fences, are some way off the highway.You can hire a car and a local guide, such as Harihar Vaishnav from Kondagaon, to … Read more

Map | A virtual journey across time and space

Whatever our own cultural background, there are amazing discoveries to be made, for India’s youth just as for scholars and visitors from all over the world! Learn more about – and from – some of India’s tribal communities by Gondi-Harappan link (2500 B.C.–1750 BC) Hampi – KarnatakaPossibly “a revolutionary find” that links the adivasi Gond tribe to the … Read more

Video | Synopsis: “Have you seen the arana?” Documentary by Sunanda Bhat – Kerala

Director: Sunanda Bhat | Producer: Songline FilmsGenre: Documentary | Produced In: 2012 | Story Teller’s Country: India Synopsis: The film interweaves contemporary narratives with an ancient tribal creation myth to explore the effects of a rapidly changing landscape on lives and livelihoods. A woman’s concern over the disappearance of medicinal plants from the forest, a farmer’s … Read more