Timeless Tools: An Ethnographic Exploration of Tribal Farmers’ Heritage in Ajodhya Hills

This exploratory study aimed to document and evaluate the traditional agricultural tools utilized by tribal farmers in a village of the Ajodhya Hills, located within the Chhotanagpur plateau in Purulia, West Bengal.These tools are integral to the agricultural practices of the Santhal, Bhumij, Munda, and Bihor tribes, re lecting their rich cultural heritage.The research utilized a door-to-door survey of randomly selected tribal farmers, employing a structured data collection schedule to gather comprehensive details on the commonly used tools.Key tools documented in the study include 33 indigenous tools used for agriculture and household activities.The study provided an in-depth analysis of these tools, including their technical speci ications, use, and improvement requirements of these tools.The indings underscore the importance of incorporating ergonomic improvements to enhance the ef iciency, safety, and user comfort of these traditional tools while preserving their cultural value.Recommendations include integrating traditional knowledge with modern scienti ic insights to standardize and re ine these tools, ensuring their continued relevance and functionality in the contemporary agricultural landscape of the Ajodhya Hills.This approach will support the preservation of cultural practices while adapting to the needs of modern agriculture.