Study Notes

Summary Kurukshetra
June 2024
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

CONTENTS

S.No. Chapters
1. Innovative Science Projects to Preserve Tribal Culture
2. Theyyam - The Tribal Cultural Dance
3. Tribal Culture - The Potential for Global Representation
4. Agriculture Festivals - Integral Part of Tribal Culture
5. Tribal Folk Dances of Northeast India
6. Embracing Diversity - Cultural Heritage of Tribes in India

2
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

1. Innovative Science Projects to Preserve Tribal Culture

Across the varied landscapes inhabited by tribal communities, innovative science projects are
becoming essential tools for preserving indigenous heritage. These projects stand as symbols of
resilience and hope, helping to maintain ancient customs and traditions in a world increasingly
shaped by globalization and modernization.

Issues
• Cultural Erosion: The rapid spread of globalization and modernization poses a threat to
traditional tribal cultures.
• Environmental Degradation: Deforestation and climate change challenge tribal
livelihoods and cultural practices.
• Socio-economic Marginalization: Tribal communities often face marginalization and
limited access to mainstream development opportunities.

Significance
• Cultural Preservation: Science projects
provide opportunities to document and
preserve indigenous knowledge systems and
cultural practices.
• Community Empowerment: These initiatives
enhance the economic and social status of
tribal communities.
• Environmental Conservation: By integrating
traditional ecological knowledge with modern
conservation practices, these projects
promote sustainable resource management.

Solutions
• Documentation and Preservation: Efforts include recording traditional practices,
medicinal knowledge, oral histories, and cultural rituals.
• Technological Integration: Advanced technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, and
3D modeling are used for conserving and restoring cultural heritage sites.
• Skill Development: Programs aimed at tribal youth and artisans focus on enhancing
skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Efforts and Initiatives

Department of Science & Technology (DST) Initiatives:

• Supports projects that document indigenous knowledge and conserve cultural heritage
sites.

3
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

• Promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates traditional ecological knowledge with

modern science.
• Schemes such as SATHI and SEED fund grassroots innovations and empower tribal
communities.

North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach (NECTAR):

• Develops technologies like bamboo-based products and promotes sustainable practices.
• Initiatives include bamboo-based water towers and affordable water treatment plants
benefiting tribal communities.
• Focuses on skill development and employment generation through bamboo-related
industries.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Initiatives:

• Carries out projects under the National Mission for Green India, which integrate traditional
ecological knowledge with biodiversity conservation.
• Supports community-based forest management and climate change adaptation measures
tailored to tribal communities.

Conclusion
• In conclusion, innovative science projects play a crucial role in preserving tribal culture by
combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods. These efforts not only
protect cultural heritage but also promote sustainable development and environmental
conservation in tribal regions.

2. Theyyam - The Tribal Cultural Dance

In northern Kerala, a vibrant ritualistic art form called
Theyyam has been an integral part of the cultural
landscape for over a thousand years. Rooted in
ancient traditions, it embodies the spiritual, cultural,
and socio-economic fabric of rural communities.
Theyyam's origins can be traced back to tribal
rituals and animistic beliefs, which have evolved
over time to incorporate elements of dance, music,
mythology, and folklore.

Historical and Cultural Context

• Origin and Evolution: Theyyam has its roots in ancient tribal rituals and animistic beliefs
prevalent in Kerala's rural areas. Over centuries, it has evolved into a complex art form,
combining dance, music, mythology, and folklore.

• Geographical Spread: Primarily practiced in northern Kerala, Theyyam also resonates in

the Tulunadu region of Karnataka, known there as 'Bhuta Kola,' highlighting cultural
exchanges across regions.

4
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

Spiritual and Ritualistic Dimensions

• Role and Significance: Theyyam acts as a medium for spiritual expression, with
performers embodying deities, spirits, or ancestral heroes through elaborate rituals,
vibrant costumes, and intense dance movements.

• Community Cohesion: This art form strengthens communal bonds by reflecting and
reinforcing the values and solidarity of agrarian societies.

Socio-economic Impact

• Livelihoods and Economy: Theyyam significantly boosts the local economy through
tourism and cultural industries, providing livelihoods for performers, musicians, costume
makers, and artisans.

• Cultural Preservation: It plays a crucial role in preserving tribal cultural heritage,

transmitting traditional knowledge, and sustaining local handicrafts and artistic practices.

Ecological and Environmental Context

• Sacred Groves (Kaavu): Performances often occur in sacred groves, which serve as
biodiversity hotspots and cultural sanctuaries, reinforcing the spiritual connection between
indigenous communities and their natural surroundings.

• Ecological Wisdom: Theyyam narratives incorporate ecological knowledge and

sustainable practices, promoting harmony with nature and advocating for environmental
conservation.

Significance

• Cultural Heritage and Identity: Theyyam is a rich tapestry of Kerala's cultural heritage,
preserving oral traditions, myths, and legends that narrate historical events, migrations,
and societal changes. It serves as a repository of local wisdom and a platform for
asserting cultural identity and resilience against dominant narratives.

• Contemporary Relevance: Theyyam continues to evolve, adapting to modern stages

and venues while maintaining its authenticity and cultural integrity. It has gained national
and international recognition, symbolizing India's diverse folk traditions and contributing
to global cultural exchange and understanding.

Conclusion

Theyyam is a dynamic cultural phenomenon that bridges the past with the present, offering
valuable insights into rural life, ecological stewardship, and the resilience of
indigenous communities.

5
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

3. Tribal Culture - The Potential for Global Representation

Introduction

• India's tribal art is a vital link to ancient cultural traditions, rooted in nature and community
life.
• These art forms reflect sustainable practices and philosophical beliefs, emphasizing
ecological balance and coexistence.

Rich Diversity and Artistic Expressions

• India's tribal art reflects a tapestry of cultural

diversity, with each community contributing
unique artistic traditions.
• Art forms include:
- Painting
- Weaving
- Pottery
- Metalwork
- Woodwork
- Music
- Dance
• These art forms offer insights into India's
ancient cultural past.

Significance of Tribal Art

• Tribal art serves as an umbilical cord to

ancestral legacies, deeply intertwined with
nature, spiritual beliefs, and community living.
• Art forms like Warli paintings and bamboo
crafts from Tripura illustrate profound
interactions with the environment and cultural
ethos.

Symbolism and Connection to Nature

• Tribal art is rich with symbolic motifs depicting

natural elements and tribal myths.
• Examples include: Bhil and Gond paintings
using natural pigments to narrate stories and celebrate
nature's bounty
• Ensuring cultural continuity through generations

6
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

Music and Dance

• Music and dance are integral to tribal celebrations, rituals, and cultural expression.

Examples include:

• Santhal drumming
• Bhil tribal dances
• Naga folk songs

These traditions transmit historical narratives and community identity.

Philosophical Underpinnings

• Tribal art embodies ecological philosophies, emphasizing sustainability and minimal

environmental impact.
• These practices offer global lessons in eco-friendly living, highlighting the harmonious
relationship between tribal communities and their natural surroundings.

Intellectual Property and Ethical Tourism

• Safeguarding tribal art through intellectual property rights and ethical tourism ensures
cultural integrity and economic benefits for tribal communities.
• Initiatives like geographical indication tags protect art forms like Warli paintings,
promoting fair representation and economic empowerment.

Conclusion

• Tribal art in India preserves cultural diversity and enriches global cultural dialogue on
sustainability and ethical living.
• By fostering awareness, protecting intellectual property, and promoting ethical tourism,
tribal art can continue to thrive as a cornerstone of India's cultural heritage and a beacon
of global cultural sustainability.

4. Agriculture Festivals - Integral Part of Tribal Culture

Cultural Heritage and Festivals

• Celebration of Deities and Nature

o Tribes celebrate various festivals to honor deities and mother nature for blessings.
o Agricultural activities like sowing, crop care, and harvesting depend on weather
and nature.
o Adverse weather conditions historically posed challenges to ancient agrarian
societies.
o To protect crops from calamities, tribes worship agricultural fields and related
deities through songs, dances, and offerings.

7
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

Tribal Communities and Their Practices

• Diverse Tribes of India

o India has over 730 scheduled tribes, each with unique cultures, customs,
languages, and lifestyles.
o Tribes primarily inhabit forests and hilly regions, often referred to as 'Adivasis.'
o Tribes have varied subsistence methods, including hunting, farming, fishing, and
gathering.

• Sustainable Farming and Natural Elements

o Tribes maintain a profound relationship with their land and practice sustainable
farming methods.
o They hold natural elements like the sun, rivers, soil, and mountains in high esteem.

Significance of Agricultural Festivals

• Rituals and Traditions

o Diverse rituals and traditions have developed to gratify mother nature.
o Agricultural festivals derive from popular beliefs and rituals, celebrated at
cultivation and harvest times.
• Community Celebrations
o Festivals are community events with deity worship, traditional food, music, and
dances.
o Tourists are welcomed to experience the rich tribal culture.

Regional Festivals and Their Practices

• Madhya Pradesh
o Home to over 45 tribes, including Bhil,
Gond, KOI, Korku, Sahariya, and Baiga.
o Bhagoria Haat Festival: Celebrated by
Bhils and Bhilalas in March, marking
harvest completion with dance, music,
and the unique 'Swayamvar' custom.
o Karma Festival: Celebrated by various
tribes for good harvest and health,
involving worship of Karam-Lord/God
with songs, dances, and rituals.
• Chhattisgarh

o Hareli Festival: Celebrated by the Gond

tribe in July-August, dedicated to crop
harvests and greenery.
o Pat Jatra Ritual: Worship of Sal tree wood, important for making tools used in
Navratri celebrations.

8
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

• Uttarakhand

o Harela Festival: Marks the beginning of the sowing season in July, dedicated to
environmental conservation and bonding with nature.

• Andhra Pradesh

o Tribes like Savara and Jatapu celebrate festivals linked to crop cycles.
o Makar Sankranthi: Redgram Week Festival in January.
o Poola Pandaga: Festival of flowers in February.
o Perantal Celebrations: Worship of mother earth, forest, and water in April.
o Various other festivals celebrated throughout the year, each associated with
specific agricultural activities.

• North-East India

o Rich cultural region with numerous tribes celebrating agriculture-based festivals.

o Assam:
▪ Ali-Aye-Ligang: Marks the beginning of cultivation.
▪ Porag: Post-harvest festival.

o Nagaland:

▪ Aelong Festival: Post-sowing celebration.

▪ Moatsii Mong Festival: Post-sowing celebration in May.
▪ Bushu Dima Festival: Celebrated in January for harvest completion.

o Arunachal Pradesh:

▪ Myoko Festival: Celebrated by the Apatani tribe from March to April.

▪ Reh Festival: Celebrated by the Idu Mishmi tribe in February.
▪ Mopin Festival: Celebrated by the Galo tribe in April.
▪ Nyokum Festival: Celebrated by the Nyish tribe in February.

• Sikkim

o Losar Festival: Celebrated for a

good harvest and new year.
o Sakewa Festival: Homage to
Mother Earth for blessings.
o Losoong or Noomsong Festival:
Marks the end of the reaping
season.

Connection with Nature and Tools

• Worship of Natural Elements and Tools

9
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

o Tribes worship five natural elements critical for agriculture during festivals.
o Rituals and customs emphasize environmental conservation and unity.

Tourism and Cultural Expansion

• Growing Popularity
o Tribal festivals are gaining popularity among the general public due to increased
tourism.
o This trend supports the progress and expansion of tribal culture.

5. Tribal Folk Dances of Northeast India

Introduction

• India's Northeast region hosts over 200 tribes and ethnic communities, each with unique
festivals, music, and dance traditions.
• Folk dances play a central role in these cultures, showcasing heritage, traditional attire,
musical instruments, and connection to nature.

Arunachal Pradesh

Rikham Pada

• Description: Medley of dances and songs performed during community festivals

• Attire: Elaborate cane headgears, antique waist-belt of beaten bell metal
• Significance: Honors gods, ancestors, and narrates love stories

Ponung

• Description: Performed by women during Solung festival to ensure good harvest

• Attire: Gale (traditional skirt), Galup (blouse), traditional ornaments
• Significance: Symbolizes community unity and agricultural prosperity

Daminda

• Description: Marks beginning and end of Dree festival, depicting traditional agriculture
• Performance: Women dancers showcase intricate footwork and hand gestures
• Significance: Celebrates agricultural practices and community bonding

Assam

Bagrumba

• Description: Performed by young Bodo women in traditional dokhona and phali attire
during spring
• Instruments: Kham (drum), serja (string instrument), siphung (flute)

10
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

• Significance: Prays for community prosperity and well-being

Gumrag Soman

• Description: Integral to Ali-a-ye Ligang festival, featuring young men and women dancing
to Oinitom songs
• Attire: Traditional mibu galug, gonro ugon for men; ege, ribi for women
• Significance: Celebrates spring sowing with music and dance

Meghalaya

Nongkrem Dance

• Description: Performed by young Khasi women during Nongkrem festival, dedicated to U

Lei Shyllong
• Attire: Colorful traditional jewellery, rhythmic movements to drum and flute beats
• Significance: Reveres indigenous deity and promotes cultural identity

Wangala (Hundred Drums Dance)

• Description: Garo community dance during Wangala festival, celebrating end of toil and
praying for good harvest
• Instruments: Drums, gongs, flutes including buffalo horn flute
• Significance: Communal celebration of agricultural bounty

Mizoram

Cheraw (Bamboo Dance)

• Description: Oldest Mizo dance, involves men holding bamboo poles while women step
in rhythmic patterns
• Symbolism: Imitates bird and tree movements, showcasing agility and grace
• Significance: Celebrates communal joy and agility

Khuallam

• Description: Dance of the Guest performed during Khuangchawi ceremony

• Attire: Puandum dress with red and green stripes
• Significance: Welcomes guests with traditional dance and music

Manipur

Luivat Pheizak

• Description: Tangkhul tribe dance depicting cultivation stages and tribal lifestyle during
traditional festivals
• Instruments: Phung (drum), Tala (trumpet), Paren (bamboo pipe), Sipa (flute)
• Significance: Celebrates agricultural cycles and community spirit

11
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

Shim Lam and Kit Lam

• Description: Kabui tribe dances; Shim Lam imitates flying insect movements, Kit Lam
imitates cricket movements
• Significance: Connected to Gang-Ngai and harvest festivals, respectively

Nagaland

Sovi Kehu

• Description: Angami tribe community dance symbolizing unity and cultural pride
• Movements: Circular motion with rhythmic leaps and ululations
• Significance: Celebrates community harmony and cultural unity

Yimdongsu Tsungsang

• Description: Ao tribe dance showcasing heritage and spirituality, featuring intricate

traditional attire and dao
• Significance: Reveres tribal identity and spiritual values

Tripura

Hozagiri Dance

• Description: Reang tribe dance depicting Jhum cultivation cycle during Hozagiri festival
• Instruments: Kham (drum), Sumui (flute)
• Significance: Celebrates agricultural traditions and fertility rituals

Garia Dance

• Description: Jamatia and Kalai tribes dance during Garia or Shiva puja, circling a symbolic
Lord Garia
• Significance: Promotes communal harmony and religious fervour

Conclusion

• Tribal folk dances of Northeast India preserve ancient traditions, embody cultural pride,
community unity, and reverence for nature and spirituality.
• These dances reflect the deep

12
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

6. Embracing Diversity - Cultural Heritage of Tribes in India

Importance of Cultural Diversity

Fostering a Vibrant and Inclusive Society

• Enriches understanding of the world.

• Promotes tolerance and respect for different perspectives.
• Encourages creativity and innovation through diverse viewpoints.
• Preserves unique identities and traditions of various communities.
• Contributes to the richness of human heritage.

Role of UNESCO

• Recognizes cultural diversity as encompassing both tangible and intangible aspects of

culture.
• Emphasizes safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity to ensure human rights,
dignity, and sustainable development.
• Supports cultural diversity through initiatives like The International Fund for Cultural
Diversity.

Tribal Communities in India

Demographics and Diversity

• Over 700 distinct tribal groups recognized by the government.

• Tribal population: approximately 104 million people (around 8% of India's total population).
• Tribes have diverse languages, cultures, customs, and traditions.
Challenges and Preservation

• Facing marginalization, economic

disparities, and loss of traditional lands.
• Efforts by governmental and non-
governmental organizations to promote
tribal cultures.
• Initiatives include cultural festivals,
documentation of traditional knowledge,
and community-based development
projects.
Major Tribes of India

Gonds

• Predominantly in central India.

• Known for vibrant art forms such as painting and music.

13
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

Santhals
• Primarily in eastern states.
• Rich tradition of music, dance, and oral literature.

Northeastern Tribes

• Nagas, Mizos, Khasis, and others.

• Maintain distinct languages, customs, and traditional governance systems.

Western and Northern Tribes

• Bhils and Gujjars.

• Strong connection to agriculture and pastoralism.

Adivasis of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh

• Deep cultural identity tied to ancestral lands and forest resources.

Languages and Folklore

Linguistic Diversity

• Major languages: Santali, Gondi, Khasi, Mizo, Bhili, Oraon, and others.
• Reflects the rich linguistic heritage and cultural identity of India's tribal communities.

Rich Tribal Folklore

• Myths, legends, and oral traditions passed down through generations.

• Tales like "The Legend of Thakur Jiu" (Santhal), "The Story of Pithoro" (Bhil), and "Sin
Bonga" (Gond).
Contributions to Music and Arts

Tribal Music

• Instruments: drums, flutes, stringed instruments, and indigenous percussion.

• Influence seen in Bollywood films and music industry.

Prominent Tribal Artists

• Examples: Teejan Bai (Chattisgarh), Tetseo Sisters (Nagaland), Mukund Lal Nayak
(Jharkhand).

Tribal Arts and Crafts

• Warli paintings, Gond art, Pattachitra scrolls, tribal jewelry, bamboo craft, and Dhokra
metal casting.
• Reflect deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage and tradition.

14
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

Tribal Festivals

Celebrations and Festivals

• National Tribal Festival (Aadi Mahotsav) and Tribal Festival of India (Tribal Odyssey).
• Regional festivals: Bastar Dussehra (Chhattisgarh), Hornbill Festival (Nagaland),
Wangala Festival (Meghalaya), and others.

Traditional Clothing and Fashion

Tribal Attire

• Traditional garments: Phanek, Innaphi, Pherans, Lugade, Sari, Gagra Cholis, Tribal
Shawls, etc.
• Reflect cultural pride and identity.

Contemporary Fashion

• Tribal Print Dresses, Tops, Jackets, Skirts, Pants, Scarves, Swimwear, Kimonos, and
Footwear.
• Celebrates cultural richness and diversity of indigenous tribes.

Spiritual Practices

Connection to Nature

• Worship of ancestral spirits, tribal deities, and sacred landscapes.

• Rituals and ceremonies infused with music, dance, and storytelling.

Impact of Market-Driven Values

Threats to Tribal Culture

• Market-driven values and Bollywood's influence undermine tribal heritage.

• Risk of losing cultural expressions and wisdom due to homogenization and
commodification.

Need for a National Tribal Cultural Policy

Goals of the Policy

• Honor, preserve, and promote the rich and diverse cultural heritage of tribal communities.
• Support for artists and artisans, integration into educational curricula, development of
cultural infrastructure, and more.
• Ensure preservation and prosperity of tribal communities for future generations.

Conclusion

Embracing and preserving cultural diversity, especially that of India's tribal communities, is
essential for fostering an inclusive and enriched society. A comprehensive approach to

15
Summary Kurukshetra June 2024

recognizing and supporting these cultures will ensure their invaluable heritage is sustained for
future generations.

16