CHANGING DYNAMICS OF TRIBAL

SOCIETIES
A Presentation by Thusharaa, Vishnupriya A, Arunima, Atharv, Ira,
Gayatri, Abhilasha, Alesha, Maansi, Manu, Krishnendu, Suman,
Vishnupriya S, Vyshnavi and Nandita
 Tribal Identity
Traditional
Economic changes- Hunting, subsistence agriculture
and gathering.
Cultural preservation and adaptation- They place a
strong emphasis on preserving their culture and
languages
Political and legal changes-.tribal governance systems
operate independently. Tribal leaders play the role of the
head.
Education and information access- Education was
always informal and based on traditional knowledge
passed down through generations.
Interactions and outsiders- These societies are
relatively isolated and had limited interaction with
outsiders.
Modern
Economic changes- Wage labor, market integration and
development of natural resource industries have
transformed tribal identities.
Cultural preservation vs adaptation- Globalization
and external pressures force some tribal societies to
adapt to mainstream cultures to adapt.
Political and legal changes- Integration of tribal
societies into nation-states has led to changes.
Education and information access- Improved access to
formal education.
Interactions with outsiders- Increased interaction with
outsiders through tourism, development projects and
migration.
 Change in Culture/ Ethnicity in the
perspective of Religious institutions
● There has been a lot of influence of various religions like Hinduism,
Christianity and Islamism on tribes.
● Hindu texts mention the various interactions between Hindus and the
Tribes.
● It was also that some of the tribes have been assimilated at various levels
according to the Hindu caste system. For instance, Tharu and Khasa
tribes of the Himalyan regions, Central India, Bauris of Bengal.
● Sanskritization of tribe also took place. Eg) Central India
● India under British rule- the influence of Christian missionaries took
place.
● Concentration of these missionaries were the Northeastern States. Eg)
Kharia
● Some of the tribes face what is called as the Acculturation, Regionalism
and Assimilation and so on.
● Acculturation is known for influencing the Raj Gonds and Tharus.
● The influence of Islamism on the tribes were also significant in the
perspective of Trade.
 Festivals
The dynamics of tribal societies, including their festivals have been experiencing
significant change in recent years. These changes are often influenced by factors
such as globalisation, modernisation and external interactions. For example:

● Before: The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, India epitomised naga tribal heritage. It was a vibrant celebration
steeped in tradition, featuring captivating dances, melodic folk music, intricate crafts, and delectable native cuisine.
The festival paid homage to the revered Hornbill bird, a central symbol in naga culture. It served as a cherished
occasion for the Naga people to unite, fortify their cultural roots, and transmit ancestral customs across generations,
remaining primarily an internal affair.

● After : However, the festival underwent transformation due to globalisation tourism and governmental influence. Its
reach expanded, attracting a diverse global audience. This led to the incorporation of modern elements sparking
concerns about authenticity. Yet it also became a platform for asserting Naga cultural identity and fostering unity
among tribes, navigating the challenges of commercialization and tourism demands while preserving its core
significance

In summary the changing dynamics of tribal societies including their festivals reflect a complex interplay of internal and
external factors. While some communities are actively preserving and revitalizing their traditions, others are adapting to
the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing world. These changes can have both positive and
negative impacts on the cultural richness and resilience of tribal societies
Social Interactions
● Tribal life is characterised by comparative physical and cultural isolation, simplicity, small group, low
population density and closeness to nature both physically and conceptually

● In case of intercommunity interaction among tribal/rural communities, data/information on their basic needs is
most important and is vital for strengthening it. Information on the following basic needs such as livelihood,
agriculture and health must be available for strengthening the network of intercommunity interaction. Identifying
the livelihood options and those in practice are extremely important. Since agriculture is the prime live support
system amongst the rural/tribal communities, information relating to crop pattern, agriculture technologies,
animal husbandry and fisheries are the prerequisite to assess the basic needs of local communities. Besides, the
other basic needs are transport , drinking water and education.

● Whereas the Sentinelese are an uncontacted tribe living in the Sentinel Island, one of the Andaman Islands in the
Indian Ocean. They have been found to vigorously rejecting all the contacts from outsiders. These are the two
various kinds of social interaction portrayed by the tribals
 ~ Gender Roles ~
Gender is a western concept that refers to the division of labour in terms of male
and female. This means that while sex is a biological term, gender is a social
construct. Gender denotes the expected roles of men and women in the realms of
production, reproduction, and power relations in various spheres of society.
The Zemei Naga males are Among the Tangkhuls in The oral traditions of many of
forbidden to touch the meat Manipur there are certain the tribes ‘reflect the broad
of an animal killed by a gender taboos such as, ‘a spectrum of marginalisation
woman, as it is ‘considered woman should not yell in public, of women in the society’.
that touching the meat would a woman should not climb over There are phrases and
be below their dignity roofs, trees etc. Ill luck will fall
sayings among the tribes
because bravery is a quality upon a man if he walks below a
which indicate that women
of men and docility that of woman’s clothes line’ (Kashung,
were not given the same
women’. 2012: 11-12).
status.
 Change in Family
Relationships
Tradition plays an important role in deciding the family relationships of tribes. India, being a vast and diverse
country, is home to hundreds of tribes. Each of these tribes practice their own customs and traditions. Hence, it
becomes difficult to generalize the changes in family relationships of different tribes. However, some of the
common attributes that contribute to these changes are given below:
❏ Shift from Joint Families to Nuclear Families: Traditionally, the tribes of India followed a joint
family system, where multiple generations lived together in a single house. As a result of
modernization and urbanization, families have evolved to become nuclear, wherein only the
parents and children reside together.
❏ Increased Participation of Women in Decision Making: As opposed to the traditional practices,
women now have an increased voice when it comes to decision making. This is the result of an
increased access to education, especially for women.
❏ Generational Differences: As a result of increased education and exposure towards different
traditions and cultures, the younger generations have begun to question various traditional
practices and believes. This leads to friction between generations in terms of decision making and
family structures.
❏ Fragmentation of Families due to Migration and Urbanisation: As people have started to
migrate towards urban areas in search of job opportunities, families began to experience
household dispersion. This has led to fragmentation of families.
 Change in
Marriages
❏ Traditional to Modern: Many tribal communities practice endogamy (marriage within their own
tribe) however due to the exposure and contact with outside world, the marriages have shifted to
exogamy marriages (marriages to other tribes and communities.
❏ Mate Selection: In the past it was the elders who would select spouses for the other, however
nowadays the younger generation has more choice in who they marry.
❏ Impact of Education and Urbanization: A tribal communities have more opportunities to
education, they are exposed to the different cultures and practices. Hence influencing their attitude
and perspective towards endogamy marriages, leading to more diverse practices.
❏ Decline in Child Marriages: There has been an impact on tribal societies by the government in
child marriages as well. Increasing the awareness of education and delaying marriage till
adulthood .
❏ Interfaith and Inter caste Marriages: Increase in tribes marrying outside their own tribe has
caused a growing growth in interfaith and inter caste marriages
❏ Legal Influence: Prohibition of child marriages and protection of women from domestic violence
attack have also influenced tribal societies.
 CHANGES IN FOOD HABITS
Indian tribes– Shift from sustainable to unsustainable- Pahariya and Santhal–
from mushrooms, vegetables, pulses and fish to predominantly rice, potatoes
and chilly.

Native Americans– intricate cooking techniques involving the three staple

sisters. Major hunting practices that came to a stop with climate change and
colonization subsequently led to huge modifications in diet.

Inuit Tribes– sparse vegetation and availability of meat in tundra regions– the
need for social approval and apparent wildlife conservation has led to a loss of
traditional food habits.

Bedouin Tribes– Preservative-free and simple dishes with ingredients they could
carry. Diets consisted majorly of bread, dairy and meat.
 Changes in Clothing
❖ Munda Tribe - Located in Northeastern India, in Jharkhand and some other states.
- Agriculture + seasonal festivals
- Immigrant tribe of Tripura Tribe
➢ Traditional Clothing
Fig.1 - Screenshot of Modern
■ Men - “...consists of a dhoti or lungi.” (hubble, 2023) clothing in Munda Tribe in
■ Women - “...consists of a long skirt or saree and a blouse.” (hubble, 2023) Madhya Pradesh
➢ Modern Clothing - Referring to Fig.1
■ Men
Fig.2 - Sketches of Tripuri and Reang
■ Women tribe traditional women clothing
❖ Study conducted into Tribal Women Fashion Change
➢ Tripura Tribe - Located in Northeastern India and
is surrounded by Bangladesh.
■ Major Tribes in Tripura Fig.3 - Photos of Tripuri
● Tripuri Tribe - Strong Cultural base tribe modern women clothing
● Reang Tribe - Nomadic, Hill Cultivation
❖ Reasons for changes in Clothing Styles in Tribes
➢ Moving for occupations
➢ Changes in environment
Fig.4 - Photos of Reang tribe modern
women clothing
 Change in jewelry
Introduction
The Masai Mara, Englishmen considered them a strange and fascinating people.To them they were a tribe of tall, black, nomadic people of Nilotic origin,
distinguished by their cattle, their red clothes, and their abundant bead jewellery. Now they are recognisable anywhere with their close-shaved heads and the
enormous amounts of ornaments they carry on their body.

Significance
Intricate jewelry is a feature of Masai culture, evidence of accomplished craftsmanship and entrenched notions of beauty. They are worn as everyday
adornments to represent wealth, beauty, strength, warriorhood, marital status, age, social status, and other important cultural elements. They are also presented
at ceremonies, at rites of passage, and to visitors as a sign of gratitude and respect.

Challenges
Jewelry has a long history among the Maasai. In the 19th century, Maasai beads were predominantly crafted from locally sourced raw materials, including
clay, shells, ivory, bone, wood, charcoal, copper, and brass. However, the limited availability of some of these materials prompted adaptations in the types and
accessibility of resources for traditional jewelry-making.
challenges in obtaining traditional materials have arisen due to factors like globalization and hunting restrictions. Furthermore, climate change poses a
potential threat to the availability of natural resources historically used in jewelry production, such as plant materials and shells. Leading the tribe to change
the older material to more viable material.

Adaptation:
Tribal communities are responding to evolving economic circumstances by actively participating in marketing and selling their products, which includes their
jewelry, to tourists. Tourism serves as an alternative income source and simultaneously plays a pivotal role in conserving traditional craftsmanship. This
transition towards marketing to tourists not only provides economic sustenance but also serves as a means to safeguard and present traditional cultural
practices, such as the intricate art of jewelry-making.

The Maasai’s journey of adaptation and resilience in the face of changing dynamics underscores the enduring importance of culture and tradition in an ever-
evolving world. Their jewelry serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who find innovative ways to preserve their identity while engaging with
the broader global community.
 Changes in occupations
During British rule, Tribals were primarily dependent on agriculture, hunting and forest produce as their main source of livelihood.
The British enforced the Forest Act of 1865 and 1878 and established monopoly over the forested land which caused them to lose
their land and become landless, bonded laborers. They were majorly dependent on agriculture and shifting cultivation.

Now, The majority of tribal populations, (about 80 percent) work in the agricultural sector, mostly as cultivators, marginal farmers
and agricultural laborers. A small segment is engaged in industrial sector as factory workers while further smaller segments like the
Todas of Tamil Nadu, Bhotias of Sub-Himalayan region, Uttar Pradesh and Gaddias and Bakarewals of Jammu and Kashmir are
cattle herders; some are artisans such as Mahalis of West Bengal; Asur and Agaria of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh are iron smelters
and blacksmiths while about seventy small tribal communities mostly located in southern India are hunters.

Of late, a growing number of tribal people have joined the ranks of migrant agricultural labor and unskilled workers engaging in
construction works. In between the total tribal population, a microscopic minority of educated tribals are either government
employees or professionals such as doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, etc.

The Mundas, Oraons, Hos and Santhals, the major tribes of the chota nagpur region – depend upon forest produce, settled
agriculture, employment in industries, coal mines and government jobs. Some have settled in towns, others are in villages, and
some of the latter are economically very well off.
 Health and
-
wellbeing
India has the largest percentage (8.6%) of
indigenous people.
- Difficulty in bridging the gap between tribal and
non- tribal people
- Suffers the brunt of all types of diseases
- Since modern medical aid cannot help, the role of
traditional healers began.
- Tribal people are more exposed to diseases with
women and children being the most vulnerable.
- Due to certain beliefs and superstitions practiced,
modern medicine is not considered into practice
- One way to facilitate the provision of healthcare in
tribal societies is bby having mobile units that can
reach inaccessible parts
 Education
Exploring tribal education offers a fascinating glimpse into a path less travelled. While india embraced the western
education system during colonisation, tribal communities clung to their roots and heritage, they became the last custodians
to a culture which otherwise might have been lost in time.

Traditional educational practices:

Traditionally, tribes have imparted knowledge through oral traditions and storytelling. This method of passing down
wisdom from one generation to the next has been a cornerstone of tribal education. Additionally, apprenticeships and
hands-on learning play a vital role, as tribal youth often learn practical skills by working alongside elders. Moreover the
close connection to nature and the acquisition of traditional skills are central aspects of tribal education

Challenges faced by them:

While traditional methods of education hold cultural significance, indian tribes face numerous challenges in accessing
modern education. Many tribal areas lack adequate educational infrastructure, making it difficult for children to access
formal schooling. Cultural differences and language barriers also create hurdles, as the curriculum sometimes might not
align with tribal values or their languages. Socio-economic factors are another major hindrance for them to access the
necessary educational opportunities.
.
 Trade
How it used to be:-
• The tribes mainly collect and process Minor Forest Products largely for domestic consumption.
• Lack organized markets as well as financial institutions.
• Demand for tribal artifacts, textiles, ornaments, paintings, potteries, cane and bamboo products
and organic and natural food products but the supply side of this economy is way below the
demand side and thus the community fails to profit.
• The community is isolated from modern civilization and lacks knowledge about modern
techniques and designs.
What were the efforts made?
• TRIFED, 1987 under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 1984 to ensure the socio-
economic development of the Indian Tribal community by institutionalizing the trade.
• A chain of retail outlet stores called ‘TRIBES INDIA’, through tribal arts and crafts item are
procured and marketed.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has introduced Minimum Support Price and development of
value chain for social safety of the forest produce gatherers.
Did it make a difference?
• Even though such schemes have given a boost to the production and promotion of tribal
produce, the effects have not been significant.
• The tibes lack awareness about such schemes and fail to benefit from them.
• Government must promote and encourage the tribal community to avail the benefits of such
schemes.
• Must be motivated to adapt to modernization to obtain complete market information and no
longer be manipulated by the middlemen.
 Changes in shelter

The house building within tribal areas is usually undertaken with materials collected from forests using
materials such as timber, bamboo and grass. Even for the purpose of binding or fixing the poles in the
constructions,creepers are used rather than iron nails. A very large number of tribes stay in hilly and forested
areas, away from society. The Red Indian tribals usually built circular with circular roofed winter houses to
create a sense of warmth, which were sealed tightly, excluding an entryway and hole for the smoke to escape.
Summer dwellings tended to be rectangular, gabled and thatched roofed structures made from a simple
framework of upright poles which were walled with wattle and daub. In the south of America, houses would
have raised floors, with palmetto thatched roofs. To the west the Caddoans lived in domed grass houses. In the
naga tribes, the houses are predominantly made of thatch, bamboo and wood. Nomadic tribes such as the gujjars
use traditional and locally sourced materials to build their temporary or sometimes permanent housing. The
mongolian tribes use a housing system called “ger” also known as yurt, which consists of long poles for the roof,
alongside a door frame, lattice wall sections and felt cover. These dwellings are packed and transported via
animals. Many tribes within India are suffering however without shelter. These include:
● Kuki tribals
● Manalthittu tribe
● Sahariya tribe
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