Tribal Retail Collapse: The Unseen Impact of E Commerce on Offline Retail Business in Gumla District, Jharkhand

India’s e-commerce sector, projected to reach $325 billion by 2030, is revolutionizing retail but poses a severe threat to the livelihoods and cultural heritage of tribal communities in Gumla, Jharkhand. This study introduces "Tribal Retail Collapse," a phenomenon where traditional haat-bazaars and small shops decline due to the rise of online shopping platforms. The Tribal Digital Marginalization Framework (TDMF) is developed to analyze infrastructural, skill-based, and cultural barriers preventing tribal retailers from participating in the digital economy. Based on a 2025 survey of 300 respondents and secondary data, findings reveal that 75% of shopkeepers experience a 20–30% income drop, haat-bazaar attendance has declined by 65%, and 78% of respondents perceive a loss of cultural and social significance. The Cultural-Digital Empowerment Model proposes community-led strategies to integrate tribal retailers into e-commerce while preserving their heritage. Grounded in South Asian values of collective well-being and cultural continuity, this research offers actionable policy insights with global relevance for indigenous communities.