CHANGING PATTERNS IN TRIBAL SOCIETIES

Abstract

The scheduled Tribe population in India form a distinct social economic and cultural group. Having lived in near isolation for several generations in the hilly and forest areas. The concept of development has such a universally positive appeal, that its pursuit has become inevitable in the contemporary scenario. The tribal communities, who are exposed to the apathetic colonial rule, and the negative effects of non-tribal influx, are brought in to the fold of development after independence. Protection and integration of scheduled tribes with rest of the population has been the policy objective of the Indian Government. Special provisions have been incorporated in the constitution of India for the protection of these vulnerable communities. Liberalization, privatization, and commercialization had adverse effects on the economic survival of many tribal groups. A variety of factors are responsible for the present state of affairs in tribal areas. tribal society is now part of larger society with varying degrees of exposure depending on the location of the habitant. Tribe are in transition stage. This book aims at capturing this transition stage and problems of transition. The present book provided a comprehensive account on scheduled tribes in Andhra Pradesh, covering their distribution, social organization, life cycle ceremonies, religious beliefs and practices, livelihood dimensions, and development dynamics. Like elsewhere in India, non-tribal migration in to tribal areas and the resultant contact with tribal populations had significantly affected the fortunes of tribal populations. The resultant misery and exploitation caused severe unrest among tribal populations, necessitating the implementation of protective legislations. The author also carried out an elaborate analysis on various legislations. Different policy initiatives on scheduled tribes, the structure organization of development agencies and an analysis of their functioning have been undertaken in a historical perspective. The study also presents a comprehensive and contemporary picture of the tribal development scenario in Andhra Pradesh.