Impact of modernization on lifestyle of the Dooars based Rabhas

The Rabhas are an indigenous Tibeto-Burman community, primarily living in Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal in India. Conventionally, they follow matriarchal social structure but for many years the West Bengal-based Rabhas have been undergoing a transformation. The study explores the impact of modernization on the overall lifestyle of Dooars based Rabha tribes through a qualitative approach. The primary objective is to understand how their traditional practices, social structures and daily lifestyle have transformed under the influence of modernization. To understand the transition, data have been collected from secondary level Rabha students, teachers, handicraft workers, traditional healers and folk artists through focus group discussion, participant observation, semi-structured and unstructured interviews. Data have been analyzed using the thematic method given by Braun and Clarke (2006) and four main themes were found from the data: Socio-Cultural Transformation, Economic Shift, Present State of Women and Educational Development. The study highlights a complex interaction between modernization and traditions, where the community is selectively adopting new influences while struggling to maintain their cultural identity. The findings of the study will help to understand the socio-cultural transition within the tribal societies and its long-term impact.