Changing Livelihood Patterns and Cultural Continuity on Bamboo-Based Livelihoods of Mahali Tribal Community: With Reference to Purulia District

This study described the rich and dynamic Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) of the Mahali tribal community, an important yet under-documented group primarily found in eastern and central India. Mahali community’s knowledge systems encompass ecological wisdom, traditional craftsmanship, sustainable livelihood practices, and socio-cultural traditions which is rooted in lived experience of generations. The objectives of the study are to know the present status of the Mahali Tribes with reference to their (a) Economic status, (b) Social status, (c) Educational status and to find out the intensity of acceptance of Bamboo crafts among the Mahali Tribes in present time. The study is Descriptive Survey research and Self-made open-ended interview schedule was utilized for collecting the data in the present investigation. The population of the present study comprises all the Mahali Tribes of Purulia District, West Bengal. From them 80 members of the Mahali community (both male and female) were purposively selected. The researcher observed that the economic status of the Mahali Tribes in the study area was poor; their maximum monthly family income was Rs 5000, which was insufficient to sustain their livelihoods. The study also found that in present era there are ample opportunities for growing their income by choosing any kind of modern occupation but till now they are very willingly accepting their age-old practice that is bamboo craft as a primary source of income. According to them it gives them mental solace other than economic security. Bamboo products are eco-friendly, the traditional practices of Mahali community also helps to ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability.