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Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology

Volume  4, Issue 2, Jul-Dec 2018, Pages 37-43
 

Original Article

Devlopment and Social Inequality among the Birhor: A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Chhattisgarh, India

Jitendra Kumar Premi, Arun Kumar

1Associate Professor 2Professor (Superannuated), School of Studies in Anthropology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.4218.1

Abstract

The relationship between anthropology and development has been vigorously debated, ever since Malinowski advocates a role for anthropologist as policy advisers to African colonial administrators and Evans-Pritchard urging them instead to do precisely the opposite and distance themselves from the tainted worlds of policy and 'applied' involvement. Objectives of the present article are to investigate various aspects of development and social inequality among the Birhor tribe of the Chhattisgarh and to visualize the prospects of development through the Birhor's perceptions. The information and facts have been collected by using group discussion and non-participant and quasi-participant observation methods. The data, thus collected, was verified through focused group discussion, involving hamlet head, Panch and the randomly selected Birhor natives. Targeted Birhor tribe is miles away from the ‘light’ of ‘Development’. They are devoid of basic amenities, such as food, cloth, house, educaiton, health, engery, communication services, transport facilities and so on. Employment opportunities are almost negligible. They face social exclusion from non-Birhor society (Tribal and Non-tribal) in matters related to food distribution especially during community feasts. Women are further subjected to social exclusion during their menstruation period and delivery episodes. Cultural practices of these types are not congenial for their proper mental development. 


Keywords : Development; Social inequality; Birhor; Particularly vulnerable tribal groups; Chhattisgarh.
Corresponding Author : Jitendra Kumar Premi, Associate Professor, School of Studies in Anthropology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India.