A Study of Tribal Market

Abstract

Tribal market plays a pivotal role for all tribal economic activities- social needs and for fulfillment of daily items needed for household consumption. The monograph study of tribal market focuses on the weekly market of Tokapal village in Bastar, a tribal dominated district.

In the past, barter was the predominance of the tribal market, but at present essential commodities are procured through currency exchange. Tokapal is the first market of Tokapal development block declared by the government. This market is the focal point of about 50 tribal villages in the vicinity, which covers villages with a circumference of upto 25 kilometers. This market provides tribal necessities such as clothing, jewellery, utensils, grocery, materials related to gods and goddesses, forest produce, handicrafts etc. It is also a center for food items such as fruits and vegetables, sweets, non- vegetarian foods, chhid-sulfi, mahua juice and other entertainment items. The social and cultural significance of the tribal market recognize it as a place for meeting relatives in other villages, a center for family discussion and exchange of information, a meeting center for bride and groom and a contact center for different types of culture. In these markets Mela Mandai and Jatra are also organized at specific time for recreational and religious purposes. Along with the specialities of market some problems are also mentioned in this study.