Tribals In India Research Articles

Quality of life and caste discrimination among the tribal population, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India: A community-based cross-sectional study.

According to the 2011 census in Tamil Nadu, out of a total population of 721.47 lakhs, 7.95 lakhs were scheduled tribes (STs), which constitutes about 1.1% of ST in Tamil Nadu and 0.8% of ST compared to the total ST population in India. A brief understanding of India's caste system and its evolution over time was required to determine caste-based discrimination. Hence, they are vulnerable and isolated due to this untouchability in the caste system. This study focuses on the quality of life (QOL) and caste discrimination among the tribal population of Chengalpattu district. Further, it provides suggestions to improve the QOL and to put an end to discrimination. It is a community-based cross-sectional study, conducted among 300 participants among the tribal population in Chengalpattu district by a systematic random sampling technique. The QOL scores were further converted into categorical variables by obtaining the mean score and dividing the group into those who got a score above the mean and those below the mean. They were labeled as good and poor QOL. More than half of them (52.7%) had poor QOL. Almost two-third of the workers had poor QOL in the social relationship (60.7%) and psychological (64%) domains, and nearly half in the physical (52.7%) and environmental (52.7%) domains. Out of 300 participants included in the analyses, 141 (47%) participants reported experiencing discrimination a few times a year/a few times a month. This study found that the tribal population in Chengalpattu district has poor social and psychological QOL compared to QOL in the environmental and physical domains. In spite of many government initiatives, a wide range of issues and problems are being faced by the tribals in India. Hence, we recommend strategies to improve the physical, social, and psychological well-being of this vulnerable population through strict legislation. The other component regarding discrimination concluded that caste but not socio-economic class is closely linked with perceived discrimination among the tribal population in Chengalpattu district and their responses to unfair treatment.

Economy as a Social Institution in the Tribal Society: A Scale to Measure the Perceived Role Performance of Economic Institutions

Economic institutions play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) among tribal communities. Despite improved access to economic institutions and their services through government and private interventions, a majority of tribals in India continue to face extreme poverty. This study focuses on developing and validating a scale to measure the perceived role performance of economic institutions in tribal societies. Employing Likert’s summated rating scale construction technique, a scale comprising 10 statements related to economic institutions’ roles has been developed. Standardisation through reliability and validity measures, as well as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), confirms the robustness of the scale. Administered to 270 tribal respondents in Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Viluppuram Districts of Tamil Nadu, our findings unveil diverse roles and challenges faced by economic institutions in tribal societies. The study reveals a nuanced perception among tribal respondents, with a majority indicating a medium to high level of perception. However, a notable proportion demonstrates a low perception level, highlighting areas of concern. The study underscores the importance of targeted strategies to boost financial inclusion and empower tribal communities. It also provides policy recommendations for addressing challenges and fostering sustainable development within tribal societies.

Traditional practices of oral health care among tribals of India: A scoping review

Traditional practices of oral health care among tribals of India: A scoping review

Indigenous Rhythms in Mamang Dai’s The Black Hill

Indigenous rhythms are new genre which mainly focuses on tribal literature. Indigenous people are referred as tribal in India, are ethnic group of people whose members share a cultural identity that has been shaped by their geographical region and they generally regarded as the original inhabitants of a territory or region. Indigeneity displays a strong association between people and their rootedness to their surroundings, material or emotional connection to the land. The bioregionalist thinkers and practitioners help human beings to reconnect themselves with the land and places because they are part of them and without them survival is not possible. Mamang Dai belongs to Arunachal Pradesh, a state inhabiting Northeast India. Her novel The Black Hill captures the forgotten tales and terror of history in the Abor and Mishmi hills. The novel covers the time and space of both the pre-colonial and the post-colonial world. By this she gives a glimpse of the changing situations and atmosphere of the places which is an interesting part of the study. Land is considered as a precious asset, sacred and revered among the tribal people of Northeast India. The land is not simply a surface but it is a home and pride of the tribal people. Even before the period of colonization, different tribes were at war with each other because of land inheritance, fishing and hunting. The love for their native land which they called home is the first thing the people protected when the British troops migluns tried to take possession as unused underused or empty-areas of rational deficit. This study focuses on the land, folklore, language, presence of evil, status of women and resistance of foreign rules.

Role of information sources in carrying government reproductive health scheme to tribal women in India: A case study among women belonging to Koraga community.

To improve the health status of its people irrespective of their socio and economic status, the government will design various schemes. In taking the government schemes effectively to the target group, the role of information sources is crucial. For the study purpose, Koraga community residing in and around Udupi-a district of Karnataka State, which has earned a name not only for its mythological significance but also for its culture of having their women empowered is considered. In the present study, role of information sources in taking the Janani Shishu Kalyan Yojana planned towards improving the pre- and post-natal health of women to reduce maternal death is considered. The results of the study enable us to understand the preference and dependency of the target group on various sources regarding the information received. Since the government-proposed health schemes should reach the target group to bring in a better health index which is one of the SDGs set for 2030, this study gains importance. The study intends to examine the role of information sources in educating the women, particularly those belonging to Koraga community, who fall under the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG) category among the tribals of India about the government schemes earmarked for safe motherhood. It was conducted in the colonies designated for Koraga community near Udupi of Karnataka using a questionnaire. Based on the results obtained from the pilot study, a final questionnaire was prepared and was personally demonstrated among Koraga women during the month of January 2020. Data were collected from 117 women belonging to Koraga community. SPSS version 17.0 software, Microsoft Word and Excel were used in data handling and analysis. The results obtained out of the study reveal that among the sources, the respondents consider doctors as dependable sources followed by ASHA/Anganwadi workers. The target group is not aware of the nomenclature of the scheme nor the benefits to expect, but they are receiving medical support during their pre- and post-natal period. The governments may initiate schemes for the benefit of the public, but the schemes will become successful only when the desired information reaches the target group. The study intended to examine the role of information sources in educating the women particularly those belonging to Koraga community and found that the dependency of the target group on various sources of information regarding government projects is evident and should be further strengthened.

Non-communicable disease multimorbidity among tribal older adults in India: evidence from Study on Global AGEing and adult health, 2015.

Multimorbidity defined as the simultaneous presence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries such as India. With India aiming to achieve universal health coverage, it is imperative to address the inequalities in accessing healthcare, especially among vulnerable groups such as tribal. Moreover, changing lifestyle has led to the emergence of multimorbidity among tribals in India. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and assess the correlates of multimorbidity among tribal older adults in India. We employed nationally representative data from the World Health Organization's Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health conducted in 2015. We included 522 participants aged ≥50 years who reported their caste to be 'Scheduled Tribe' in the survey. A multivariable regression model assessed the association between multimorbidity and various attributes. Arthritis, cataract, and hypertension were the most common chronic conditions. The overall prevalence of multimorbidity was ~22.61%. We observed a higher likelihood of having multimorbidity among respondents aged ≥80 years [AOR: 4.08 (1.17-14.18)] than the younger age groups, and among the most affluent group [AOR: 2.64 (1.06-6.56)] than the most deprived class. The prevalence of multimorbidity among tribal older adults is emerging which cannot be overlooked. Health and wellness centers may be a window of opportunity to provide egalitarian and quality preventive and curative services to achieve universal health coverage. Future studies should explore the outcomes of multimorbidity in terms of healthcare utilization, expenditure, and quality of life in this group.

A longitudinal study on the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the multiethnic communities of Jhargram, West Bengal

Anemia is a significant public health concern in India, with an esti-mated prevalence of 38% to 82% in non-pregnant females and 18% to 59% in males. Destitution, poor nutrition, illiteracy, unhealthy practices, obliviousness, and inadequate health service is the significant reasons for the higher rate of IDA in the tribals of India. The objective of the present study was to estimate the disease burden in Binpur-I and II, Jhargram blocks in West Bengal, India. The research was planned as a multiethnic community-based investigation that includes age and sex-specific gradation of anemia with iron status (SF, SI, TIBC). 910 participants (female: 529 and male: 381) were enrolled in the study. Overall, 67.47% of individuals were diagnosed with anemia (female: 42.74% and male: 24.73% ). According to severity, 29.12%, 27.14%, and 11.2% of individuals were moderate, mild, and severely anemic. Results also showed that IDA is prevalent among all age groups irrespective of sex, with the highest rates in the 40.1 - 60 age group (female). The higher prevalence of the geriatric population could be due to chronic disease, iron deficiency, and genetic polymorphisms, which require future investigations.

Issues, challenges and opportunities in accessing primary health services in tribal-rural setting in India: a decadal view

Even after 75 years of independence, the country's most underprivileged tribal population is still far from getting health benefits. Tribals in India have poor health and present a bleak picture in terms of social development metrics, especially health. From this perspective, this paper is intended to identify the problems and existing challenges faced by tribal communities in accessing health care from primary health care settings. Exploring the observations based on reviewed scholarly articles published between 2012 and 2022 from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar and in addition to several government reports and articles. These articles were selected and subsequently analyzed to extract specific outcomes. By applying the principle of the 'five A' approach, the analysis revealed a significant shortfall in the service delivery of health wellness centers. It was implicit that despite the introduction of affirmative policies by the government, gaps still existed in the healthcare system at grass root level. Major gaps are lack of human resources, staff stereotyping indigenous population, and inadequate infrastructure; and high health costs due to out of pocket expenditure and informal payments were evident. The paper recommended both individual and community-level strategies to overcome the barriers of rural health services. More decentralized planning and cultural competency training are immediate measures for the inclusion of tribal-rural people in healthcare services. Further, we proposed developing a "Mangal Health Team' which will coordinate between Health and wellness centre and villagers.

An analytical study on role of tribal women in wage based livelihood activities in southern Rajasthan

Tribal women constitute half of the work force among tribals in India. They play substantial and crucial role in their social, cultural, economic and religious ways of life and considered as an economic asset in their society.The tribal women work for about 8 to 10 hours per day in agriculture and allied activities. They collect the forest produce viz., anola, custard apple, aritha, date palm, jatropha, plant leaves, firewood, bamboo, gum, wax, honey, fodder, fruits, vegetables and sell these products in the local market and nearby villages and exchange the produce for their daily requirements through barter system. Besides engaging themselves in a variety of activities both on the farm and at home, the tribal women also contribute to the family income through their wage earnings. The present research is an attempt to see the information regarding role of tribal women in wage based livelihood activities in Rajasthan.The study was conducted in three districts of Rajasthan state namely Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara. The research findings revealed that Majority of the respondents jointly did selection of working hours (68.18%), distribution of responsibilities such as looking after the household work in their absence (59.09%) and selection of working place (59.09%). More than half of the respondents were jointly engaged in selection of working months and utilization of income (56.36%) and work selection (54.54%) with overall pooled mean per cent score 74.74.

Prevalence of anemia among reproductive-age females in the Tharu tribe of the Indo-Nepal border region.

ABSTRACTBackground:India shares the largest number of anemia patients globally. Anemia in reproductive-age female, affects not only the maternal mortality and morbidity but inversely affect the pregnancy outcome also. Tribals in India are geographically isolated and most of them belong to very low socio-economic status. Regarding Tharu tribes, to date, there is no study to find the prevalence of anemia in this community.Aim:We aim to find the prevalence of anemia in the reproductive-age female of the Tharu community. Additionally, we also accessed the severity and possible causes of anemia.Materials and Methods:A total of 440 reproductive age females from the Tharu community were recruited in this study from Tharu predominant Tulsipur tehsil of Balrampur district on 8 December 2019. CBC of each sample was performed by a 3-part basic hematology analyzer.Results:The mean (SD) hemoglobin level of the study group observed was 11.11 (±1.96) gm/dl with a median value of 11.3 gm/dl. Prevalence of anemia was noted in 283 (64.32%) participants. Amongst the anemic subjects, mild, moderate, and severe anemia was noted in 33.57%, 57.24%, and 9.19%, respectively. Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia was noted in 53.00%, 44.88%, and 2.12%, respectively.Conclusion:The high prevalence of mild and moderate anemia in reproductive-age women is a matter of concern and should be dealt with priority. Community-based screening for hemoglobinopathies is also needed to evaluate the actual cause of anemia.

Employment and Livelihoods among Tribal in India

The present article attempts to explore one of the most pertinent issues of livelihood among tribals in India. In this context, the following two key issues have been examined: (a) whether tribal people are still engaged primarily in agriculture or forestry related activities for their livelihood or they have moved to non-farm and industrial activities over the years and (b) whether the government affirmative action like reservation policy has helped the tribal people in joining more government/public/formal sector jobs. This article is based on analysis of last two decades secondary data from National Sample Surveys (NSS) and Census of India. On the basis of the analysis of the data it has been observed that the participation of tribals in public sector or formal sector jobs has increased over the years, which may be due to various affirmative actions by the governments’ reservation policy. However, the human capital base of tribals is still much below the other social groups. Another important fact has been revealed through probit regression analysis that the government reservation policy is exclusionary in effect. Maximum benefits have been derived by those who are highly educated and those who belong to high income group. These issues need urgent policy interventions for creating better livelihood conditions for the tribal population particularly for those who are relatively less benefitted which may need further investigation.

Pattern and Determinants of Maternal and Child Healthcare Services Among Tribals: With a Special Reference to Tribal Regions of Odisha

Maternal and child healthcare (MCHC) is an important aspect of healthcare that poses major challenges in the healthcare system. Despite the implementation of various MCHC programmes and policies, MCHC development in India is still grossly lagging. The tribal populations and tribal-dominated areas are more vulnerable, and they are more or less deprived of their basic right to MCHC services. In this context, this article is a modest attempt to analyse the pattern of MCHC services among tribals in India with a special reference to the tribal-dominated districts of Odisha. Besides, the article also aims to explore the factors determining low MCHC achievements in these regions. Secondary data have been used from National Family Health Surveys and other published documents by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the study. Simple percentage ratio method and multiple regression techniques have been employed to substantiate the objectives. It is observed that MCHC indicators among tribals and tribal-dominated areas are lagging behind the national indicators and a multipronged approach with an emphasis on effective implementation of schemes in tribal areas is highly required. Districts with dense tribal populations in Odisha are placed among the low-performing districts in MCHC. Women’s education and marriage below legal age emerged significant in determining institutional delivery rate in districts of Odisha. While the coefficient for women’s literacy is positive, it is found to be negative for marriage below legal age. Mother’s education significantly contributes to children’s immunisation as well. The findings suggest the importance of a long-term strategy like improvement of women’s education for MCHC developments. In addition to development of education and awareness, maternal and child health schemes also need to be made available in tribal areas by provision of services in hilly and inaccessible regions and by breaking cultural barriers.

Self Determination and Indigenous People: The Fight For ‘Commons’

History has always seen the less-privileged as the one suffering the alienation of their rights, entitlements. It is equally true that these communities have fought back to claim what is rightfully theirs. The principle of Self determination or the right to decide how to be governed can be traced back to World War-1 and the principles laid down by Woodrow Wilson. This right to Self determination exists for each one of us. This becomes even more imminent when it belongs to a community which has its own preserved culture to protect, it has its own resources of which it is the foremost protector. Here the paper emphasizes how the tribals in India have now been reduced to a mere dependant and beggary.The paper traces the various changes of the Indian legal system governing the relationship between the ‘Commons’ and the Tribal Communities. But ‘the history of Forests is the history of conflicts’. The researcher has taken two case studies- the struggles of the Dongria-Kondhs of Odisha and the Sentinelese from Andaman , to show how these communities have in their own unparalleled ways protect their Commons from the never-ending appetite of the industrialization and human greed. Lastly, the researcher has analysed various provisions from the Corpus of Indian laws, to find out where is the State missing out. Along with it, the researcher has also suggested potential reforms to those lags , so as to guarantee the Tribals their “Right of Self Determination” in wholesome.

Mate Selection in Tribal India

India being a country with diversity and pluralistic society contains various ethnic groups who follow and practice their faiths and beliefs. It is obvious that these ethnic groups and tribes have their traditions and values and they abide by them for their survival. In social settings also, it is relevant that they follow their traditional value system which binds them together. Marriage is one of the social ritual which they follow and based on their values and beliefs, different systems and processes are followed by the families of bride and grooms. This chapter deals with various such traditions followed by the tribals in India.

Inequality, Injustice and India’s Forgotten People

It is the Boston Consulting Group’s 15th annual report called ‘Winning the Growth Game: Global Wealth 2015’ that has been extensively reported by the media persons in India. This report came just one year after the Global Wealth Databook 2014 from Credit Suisse wherein the picture of global inequality is presented in a more accurate and comprehensive manner. It is undisputed that over time there has been a significant decline in poverty in India. However, the same is not true about inequality. Has inequality declined with the same rate as the decline in poverty in India? As per the official data collected on all parameters of development in India the tribals are straggling way behind in terms of income, health, education, nutrition, infrastructure and governance. Tribals in India have been the receivers of injustices throughout the process of development. To exemplify, among 65 to 70 million people displaced during the development process in India 40 per cent are tribals. In India, more than 90 per cent of total coal and above 50 per cent of minerals and dams are located in the tribal regions, yet these areas have remained the least developed. In paradox to economic theory, many developed districts in India include pockets of intense backwardness. The paper argues that in India the tribals have remained excluded from the list of beneficiaries in the development process. The paper also discusses the process of marginalization of tribal in the developmental process and towards the end gives some recommendations.

Tribal Alienation and Conflict in India: A Perspective from Below

The Adivasi’s movement in India was seen through the abstract glasses of a Maoist movement or a peasant revolt, thus denying and failing to explain the specificity of Adivasi’s movement for democratic rights. However, the present article is an attempt to understand the socioeconomic and political structures, which forced the tribal in India to organize themselves and fight since the 1940s for the redressal of their grievances. Among the major questions which we shall attempt to answer are: how did the tribal react to alienation from the society and land, natural resources, indebtedness, and structural and cultural oppression? What was the role of the leadership in the organization of discontented tribal? The study basically aims at understanding the nexus between politics and violence in the specific context of the Adivasi movement in India. Is it a battle for social justice and equality?

Habib Tanvir’s The Living Tale of Hirma : A Study in Folk Theatre

Habib Tanvir, the Brecht - follower of folk theatre, is renowned for his most celebrated play ‘Charandas Chor’ echoes another ideology in his second well- read play ‘The Living Tale of Hirma’ asserting his borrowed thought- “ Material Circumstances determine consciousness rather than consciousness determining material reality”. The play isan in depth study of the psyche of cultural autonomous marginal unit affirming Habib Tanvir’s mindset that echoes what Mahasweta Devi, the icon champion of tribals in India once said- “ I am interested in history not only past history, but history that is being made”. (Kakitya Journal, 96).

Human Rights, Constitutional Safeguards and Tribals in India : Trapped in Labyrinth

Human Rights, Constitutional Safeguards and Tribals in India : Trapped in Labyrinth

Women's Empowerment and Fertility Behaviour among the Tribals of Rajasthan, India

Fertility has declined in India during the last few decades because of socio-economic development. Women's empowerment has been identified as an important determinant for demographic change. Tribals in India have relatively high fertility because of their traditional socio-cultural practices and poor economic condition. This study aims to examine the role of women's empowerment on fertility behaviour by utilising primary data collected from ten tribal dominated districts of Rajasthan. These tribal communities belong to the Bhils, the Meenas and the Saharias. Results reveal that women's empowerment is negatively associated with fertility behaviour. Women's education, employability, participation in decision-making, exposure to media and spousal communication bear significant impact on fertility behaviour. This study may have some implications for future studies and policy makers for regulating fertility.

Folk Knowledge on Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Skin Diseases in Bhadrak District of Odisha, India

Only recently there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine and these drugs are gaining popularity both in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects. Ethnic people and tribals of India are endowed with a deep knowledge concerning the utilization of medicinal plants to cure various diseases. However research on the local knowledge related to plant species utilization for skin ailments still lacks adequate attention. The current investigation aims to identify, collect and document the existing folk knowledge related to the utilization of medicinal flora for healing of skin ailments among the local inhabitants of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India. Data were collected through a combination of tools and techniques of questionnaire, group interview and discussion. A total of 57 medicinal plants representing 34 families are reported for their therapeutic use against skin ailments. The predominant families are Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae. Most preferred species for the management of skin ailments are Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.)Wall. ex. Nees., Annona squamosa L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Calophyllum inophyllum L., Cissampelos pareira L., Croton sparsiflorus Morong., Glinus oppositifolius (L.) A. DC., Lantana camara L., Ocimum sanctum L., Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. and Tridax procumbens L. In most of the skin treatments with medicinal plants, the herbal preparations are administered topically. Further scientific research is required to evaluate biochemical constituent as well as the pharmacologically useful alkaloids, tannins, resins and any other beneficial plant product available from the local flora for the enhanced posterity of mankind.