Cultural Practices and Community Vitality in Purulia District of West Bengal: A Study of Tribal People

According to the census of 2011, 40 different types of tribal community reside in West Bengal and they comprise of 5.79% of the total population of West Bengal. With 18.45% of its population being, Purulia occupies 3rd position in terms of share of tribal population in West Bengal. The 5 major tribal communities in Purulia are Santhal (60%), Bhumij (18%), Sabar (7%), Munda (6%), Bihor (1%). Indigenous people have strong ethnic identity and rich cultural tradition depicted by its vast collections of songs, music, dance, theatre, folk traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, paintings and writings. Tribal culture generates assets such as skills, products, expression and insights that contribute to their social and economic well-being. These skills once part of their tradition have now become a means not only for their livelihood, but also for their active contribution to the furthering of India's economic growth. The present paper examines the perceptions of tribal people towards their cultural practices and community vitality in Purulia district.