Savaras of Andhra Pradesh - Monographic Series-2

Abstract

This particular monograph delineates the details about the origin, its distribution and socio-economic and cultural life among the Savara tribe of Andhra Pradesh. The Savara belong to a very ancient tribe and they spread over the Indian sub-continent long before the immigration of the Aryans. The linear settlement pattern is the distinctive character of this tribe. They always live in exclusive settlement of their own. They never build their houses in the company of either the other tribal or non-tribal groups. This monograph also focuses on the aspects of selection of site for house, construction of materials, construction of the roof, house warming ceremony and sacred fire ceremony. In the chapter III depicts the social structure among the Savara. According to Sir Edgar Thurston, Savaras are divided into two broad groups viz., Hill Savaras and Plain Savaras. These are further sub-divided into eight sub-groups. In the absence of exogamous clan organization and the restricted adoption of family names among some sections of the Savaras of Andhra Pradesh, family plays a significant role in their social-economic and cultural life. Family is thus the lone unit of social structure among these sections. In this chapter also discussed details of marriage rules and prohibitions, acquiring mate selection among the Savara tribe. It is very remarkable that the monograph presents the details of kinship structure very closely. The researcher has not only mentioned some terms of address but categorized them properly and interpreted these with the functioning social system, as those have inter-twined with other aspects of life. Rituals connected with the life-cycle, marriage, birth and death, as have been described, are also very exhaustive and suggestive which will help to trace the Socio-cultural aspects of this tribe. In the areas of magical, religious and festival life, the affinities have been pointed out and other traits of culture to has been carefully noted as to how the religious pantheon of the Savara includes many local Hindu Gods. The various sources of livelihood of the Savaras are agriculture, agricultural and forest labour, food gathering and collection and sale of Minor Forest Produce and Hunting and fishing. Agriculture is a main traditional occupation among the Savara tribe. In the field of agricultural practice, land pattern, division of labour, tools, occupational pattern, agricultural related rituals, economic status, sources and pattern of income, expenditure details also mentioned in the chapter of livelihood. Social control as the way that the norms, rules, laws and structures of society regulate the human behavior. It is necessary part of social order, for societies could not exist without controlling their population, in the Savara they have own social control methods, in this social control ways also mentioned in the chapter of Community and Social Control. In the details of the language, folk lore and music among the Savara tribe described in the chapter IX and final chapter is mainly focused on the aspects of change and continuity among the Savara tribe.