Volume : 11, Issue : 1, JAN 2025

THE EVOLUTION OF TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN CHHATTISGARH: A SOCIO-HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

ANIL KUMAR PARDHI

Abstract

This research paper explores the socio-historical evolution of tribal communities in the region of Chhattisgarh, a state known for its rich indigenous heritage and cultural diversity. From prehistoric settlements to modern political engagement, tribal groups have played a central role in shaping the identity and socio-political structure of the region. The study traces the journey of these communities through various historical phases—ancient, medieval, colonial, and post-independence—to examine how their social, economic, and cultural lives have transformed over time.

In the ancient and early medieval periods, tribal groups such as the Gonds, Baigas, and Halbas maintained autonomy through localized self-governance and deep ecological knowledge. With the arrival of colonial rule, however, traditional systems were disrupted due to exploitative policies like the Forest Acts and land revenue systems, leading to alienation and rebellion. The study further explores how tribal traditions—oral literature, belief systems, and customs—have withstood pressures of modernization and assimilation.

In the post-independence era, governmental efforts to integrate tribal communities through welfare programs, education, and affirmative action have yielded mixed results. While policies like the PESA Act and Tribal Sub-Plan have aimed at empowering tribal populations, challenges such as displacement due to mining, poverty, and cultural erosion persist.

Through a multi-disciplinary approach combining history, anthropology, and sociology, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resilience and transformation of tribal communities in Chhattisgarh.

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