Names & communities

Communities with populations spread across state/linguistic borders are often known by different names by local authorities while “some of these communities figure in various classifications in the states” according to the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: “There are many anomalies in terms of identification of these communities, from state to state. Many people also do not know what is denotified tribe and which authority is looking after their grievances. […] In some states they are called ‘tribal settlers’. In some states they are called ‘hidden tribes’ etc.” – Bibek Debroy in “An unfortunate legacy” (Indian Express, 5 January 2017)
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/crime-criminal-act-racial-discrimination-non-bailable-offence-criminal-tribes-act-an-unfortunate-legacy-4459258/
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=12284

Video | Swang Nritya, the drama of the Sahariya tribe: Songs and dance that spread awareness about social issues like child marriage, women’s rights, the need of education – Rajasthan

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Living amidst the forest in symphony with the ways of nature, the Sahariyas are one of the last remaining tribes of Rajasthan. This group of self sufficient people has lived all their lives without the use of modern day implements and speaks a local dialect called Haroti that is influenced by the languages of Hindi and Braj. The … Read more

Bastar Dasara in Jagdalpur (July – October): Ancient customs and modernity – Chhattishgarh

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In the heart of Bastar, where the beauty of the jungle holds sway, is a Dasara celebration unchanged by the passage of time | Read the full story and view more photos here >> She’s attired in a shocking pink sari tied till the knees, adorned with chunky armbands and anklets in silver, double nose-pins in gold, and … Read more

Tip | Santal Music: A Study in Pattern and Process of Cultural Persistence – A detailed study by Onkar Prasad

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The present in-depth study by Dr. Onkar Prasad of Santal Music in the context of socio-cultural life of Santals is the outcome of extensive field work. […] It highlights Santals’ organic relationship with [their] instruments looking upon them as living beings and a means to establish communication with non-living entities. […] [They] do not view their … Read more

“Indigenous Wisdom”: Webinar on the occasion of Indigenous Day – West Bengal

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Information and the link about the on-line discussion scheduled on 9th August 2020.  To celebrate World Indigenous Day, Kolkata Centre for Creativity in association with Museum of Santal Culture, Bishnubati will initiate pertinent dialogues on India’s indigenous tribal communities. It is impressive how they have been carrying with them, through the intergenerational exchange, wisdom for thousands … Read more

Video | Marriage customs of the Santals: A large mural created by village artists to express their cultural identity – West Bengal

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Marriage Reception A Santal marriage takes five days and involves various, often complex, rituals. On the day of the Gidi-chumara (Marriage Reception) the women arrive to bless the bride and groom with grass and grains of rice which are kept in a basket. The high wooden turmeric crusher called akhur (on the right) indicates that … Read more