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

Demonstrating the brain’s astonishing capacity to decode information – Ancient “whistled languages” used by indigenous communities in India, China, Turkey & Spain

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For generations, the residents of Meghalaya’s Kongthong village have communicated with each other using a unique form of whistled identity instead of names! | Read the full story and view more images >> In The Whistling Village of Meghalaya, Every Child Has a ‘Unique Lullaby ID’! In most ways, Kongthong resembles countless other villages nestled in the … Read more

Striving for a “just, free and equitable society” by combating human trafficking, slavery and child labour: Shakti Vahini – Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa & West Bengal

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Strengthening Women & Child Rights in India. Ensuring a better world for our future generations through education of children, empowerment of women and protection of environment. […] Shakti Vahini visions, aspires and strives for Just, Free and Equitable society. We consider it a duty of every citizen to have social concerns and strive for the … Read more

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