About the Book

The volume posits a critique to the prevalent dichotomy between the mainstream of Indian society and the tribal cultures. Here, an attempt has been made to explore why this dichotomy came into existence and what have been its consequences in the socio-political reality of the nation. Drawing from both micro and macro studies the authors question the utility of traditional anthropological discourses on tribal societies. An endeavour to move beyond the straightjacketed approach helps in understanding the nuances and fluidities of cultural boundaries. It also enables us to see tribals as both victims and instruments in the social and political processes of nation-building. Further, the volume examines the structure and processes of the tribal society vis-à-vis their problems, policies, transformation, ethnic discourse and the future. It will be of interest to planners, researchers and students from both a theoretical perspective and empirical understanding.

---

Contents

---

About the Author / Editor

Sukant K. Chaudhury studied Sociology at the Delhi School of Economics and obtained Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from University of Delhi. Presently he is teaching Sociology at University of Lucknow. His publications include Myopic Development and Cultural Lens (1996), Tribal Identity (2004) among others. Currently he is the Co-Editor of The Eastern Anthropologist, General Secretary of Indian Anthropological Association, Delhi and Ethnographic and Folk Culture Society, Lucknow. Soumendra Mohan Patnaik is teaching Social Anthropology in the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi. His publications include Displacement, Rehabilitation and Social Change (1996) and several research papers in national and international journals. Currently he is the President of Indian Anthropological Association, Delhi.

---