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

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

eBook | Why is the Sky so High? (Dehwali) – A story from Gujarat

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In the olden days the sky was very close to the earth. With the sky hovering above their heads, people on earth found it difficult to walk upright. They had to bend themselves every time they moved …

Linguistic diversity and multilingualism – Interviews with Prof. Ganesh Devy

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Devy has worked incessantly to establish the linguistic diversity and numeric strength of subaltern cultures in India. In a politically resonant statement during a public lecture last year in Bengaluru, he said the most beloved stories of mainstream Hinduism start in the mouths of Dalits. It is a suta, both charioteer and bard, who speaks … Read more