Changing identity of socio-economically backward caste in Telangana village: An anthropological study of gulf migrants

Abstract

The process of Globalisation has created many opportunities pertaining to employment for many people across globe. It is in thiscontext, many communities are witnessing change in their day to day life and culture as well. The present study found that there is a massive change in the lives of people who migrated in Gulf countries; it was observed that many migrants returned back and purchased agricultural lands and became owners of the agricultural lands, built houses with all basic amenities. Apparently, their traditional social status in the village has improved better, now these families are economically self-reliant and they do not practice their traditional livelihood any more. As a result of this, there is also change in their identity in the village. The first generation migrants have become mediators between Gulf employers seeking new employees and second generation aspirants from village who want to migrate to Gulf. The present paper's focus is on socio-economically backward caste families in the study village. The study was conducted in Gaggupally village in Nizamabad District of Telangana State. The data was collected using anthropological techniques like participant observation, interviews, household schedules and case studies.