VIJAYA KUMARI.K, Assistant Professor, Dept. of History,

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY UGC Sponsored Minor Research Project Principal Investigator : All Saints College, Thiruvananthapuram. VIJAYA KUMARI.K, Assistant Professor, Dept. of History, UGC approval Letter No. and Date : MRP (H)-1101/13-14/KLKE007/UGC-SWRO DTD: 15/02/2014 Title of the Research Project THE CHALLENGES AND TRANSITION IN THE LIFE OF TRIBAL WOMEN IN KERALA Effective date of starting the project: :TRADITION VERSUS MODERNITY: Period of Expenditure: From to TO Final Report Submitted to UGC New Delhi: The Executive Summary of this Minor Research Project is posted in College website: Introduction EXECUTIVE SUMMARY India has one of the largest tribal concentrations in the world. The tribes of India constitute a rich, unique, varied and critical element of Indian tradition. Tribes have, or had their own language or dialect, their own traditions, customs, myths and ritual practices, deities, arts and performances, etc. Many of these have been changed, developed or even deteriorated over time, and being highly influenced by their surroundings. They have preserved their culture and tradition and ethnic identity to contribute to the astonishing cultural diversity of our country. Indigenous People traditionally have a harmonious and symbiotic relationship with the natural environment. They have governed their ancestral territories and natural resources as a participatory community based on democratic processes. They have a collective dependency to the natural resources in their habitats and territories. They have developed particular cultures, life styles, traditions and belief systems according to their territories and natural resources. The tribal societies are essentially very simple ones. They do not experience the stresses and strains that we experience in our life. They cannot even imagine our anxiety for the little nothings. Tribal societies referred as pre-literate and their social systems are small, relatively isolated, homogeneous and simply organized. They depend on nature for livelihood and little control over natural forces. The amount of goods obtained is usually limited and comfort level is 1

2 close to the survival level. Mortality rates are high, life expectancy is short and entire systems are vulnerable to radical changes in the natural environment. They were forced to be mobile to cover areas extensive enough to provide food and other resources. Tribal population of the world has been always under pressure and danger. The indigenous rights and situations of the tribal populations have been under threat. There is severe violation of their natural right to live and progress in their own phase. They are compelled to cope with the systems and structures created by the modernized world. In the last two centuries as the tribal population experienced massive expulsion and hardships due to oppression and exploitation. Women constitute half of the human population remained neglected for centuries. Understanding women s experience in every culture is very important. During ancient days the women s status in the tribal society was much higher. Their women have never been in seclusion and have shared the life of tribal men shoulder to shoulder to them. They never had child marriages; on the whole they have never been monogamous from the time immemorial. The beauty and charm of mother hood are expressed in a number of rites and ceremonies. As the time passes by the status and the importance of the women in the tribal society turned upside down. There developed a great economic crisis that resulted in the exploitation of the tribal women. Significance of Study Considering the immense odds against the tribes, the proposed study is focused on cultural identity, tradition and the impact of modernity and the resultant transition on the tribes of Kerala in a historical perspective. The study will examine the present situation and the status of tribal women in connection with the characteristic features of culture, tradition, heritage, traditional knowledge of tribes of north Malabar region of Kerala. The proposed study analyzedthe gap between the existing laws, rights and programmes for the tribal welfare on the one side and the pathetic condition of the tribal women on the other side. The study analyzed the ethnicity, patterns of social organisation, socio-cultural life, economic condition, marriage, customs, rituals, norms, and practices, religious aspect of traditional beliefs, cultural identity, and ideologies of tribal life. As history is an unending dialogue between past and present to make future fruitful, here the present study aims the same. The study explored the intimate relationship and interaction between social organization and the religious complex and ecological conditions of the tribal communities. Researcher attempted to make inquiries leads to interpretative production of knowledge through a process of analytical discoveries of co-relations and a priori reasoning amongst apparently disconnected aspects of social life. Women are simultaneously present and absent in the historical accounts. In Indian content, women are not inserted into history, hence history to be rewritten. Rewriting history from a women' s standpoint requires historians not only explore sources and social process uncover evidence which are ignored because of existing biases, and insert issues of gender into new 2

3 historical writing. Under the context, a gender sensitive history is now beginning. There are some inherent problems in writing a history that is genuinely inclusive of women. The sources of history reflect the concerns of those who have wielded power. The notion of time of history in the dominant Indian tradition has been cyclical and not linear. Contemporary discipline of history is denied from western, linear tradition and violates the spirit of authentic Indian tradition. It cannot be subjugated to scrutiny. Cyclical notion of history is the product of those who wielded power. Most of the sources are not conventional historical sources but a varied collection of myths, religious texts and types of history productions. Objectives To understand the life situations and problems of Tribal women To compare the past and present status of Tribal women in Kerala To conduct an in-depth study about the problems of tribal women and girls in the contemporary society. To identify the influence of tradition and modernity in the status of tribal women and the changing habits of tribals. To compare the status of tribal women and non-tribal women. To trace the correct perspective of socio-economic issues of tribals To analyse the factors and forces responsible for the exploitation of tribal women. To find the gap between existing laws and the rights prescribed in the Constitution and present conditions of tribal women and girls. To understand the tribal village, patterns of social organisation its socio-economic and natural environment To assess the level of autonomy and decision making power of tribal women. To explain and interpret significant outcomes on the basis of findings on evidence in the present that bears upon facts about the past. Finally, the researcher will arrive at hypotheses about social causes and cultural meanings so as to make historical statements depend ultimately upon factual inquiry and theoretical reasoning. Hypotheses Anthropological and sociological researches offer evidences to the fact that tribal women enjoy relatively more freedom in socio-economic spheres than there 'civilized' counterparts. They are practically in positions of equality with their men folk. In the light of these observations, it was hypothesized that with the increase in contact with outsiders; status of the tribal women changed. More the intimate contact, more the likelihood of change. To be specific, the change is expected to be towards the lowering of status of tribal 3

4 women.there exists a gap between the existing laws, rights and programmes for the tribal welfare on the one side and the pathetic condition of the tribal women on the other side. There is intimate relationship and interaction between social organisation and the religious complex and ecological conditions of the tribal communities.there are many laws and different rights allotted to the tribals by the Constitution of India, but the pathetic condition of tribals never changed and going to worse. Tribals are on the verge of extinction and their cultural identity is in crisis. There is a conception is that the social structure everywhere in the tribal areas was uniform. But it is difficult to conclude that social structure of tribal are same everywhere. Tribals continues as one of the most marginalized community in the country, the post globalized developmental projects and developmental dreams has increased the deprivation of the tribals and the developmental divide has increased between the tribal and non-tribal in the state. Methodology Since the present study is explorative and analytical in nature and belongs to the category of Contemporary history, it required a highly scientific research methodology and proceeds with conceptualize, contextualize and historicize to explain and interpret cultural evolution and transition of primitive tribals, changing patterns of socio-economic life, circumstances and aspects of recent past and to provide a historical understanding of current trends or developments. This study will be a model to trace the correct perspective on the socioeconomic issues of primitive tribals and cultural transition in the past and present scenario to be fruitful in The problems of Adivasis in Kerala are as old as the state. An exploratory study was conducted amongst 100 Koraga families residing in 2 taluks of Kasaragod district, 100 tribal families of Palakkad district mainly Attappady Block Panchaoayat and 50 tribal families from Wayanad District and 50 families from amboori tribal village of Thiruvananthapuram district. Even though the present study intended to do the field work about the tribal families of Kerala, due to the difficulty in travelling throughout the tribal village, time limit and shortage of money, the study concentrated mainly on the major tribal belts of Kerala by studying the most tribal populated districts like, Wayanad, Palakkad, Kasaragod and Thiruvanantahpuram. Proportionate stratified sampling method was used. Family was the unit of the study and information was collected mainly from the head of families, in their absence, information other elderly were collected. Observation both direct and indirect was utilized for the study. Structured interview schedule, pilot tested and validated. Interview with tribal officers, tribal social workers, teachers, voluntary organization leaders, activists, tribal women organization workers, students, children were used. This pre-designed, pre-tested and structured questionnaire included topics relating to demographic variables, basic facilities and maternal health. A total of 300 respondents were interviewed after taking informed consent between April 2014 to December Data was analyzed statistically by simple proportions. 4

5 Tribes in Kerala are living on the hill ranges and forest areas mainly on the Western Ghats bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and other difficult areas. There are 36 Adivasi communities listed in Kerala with 5 Primitive tribal groups. Because of the time limit, the present study is concentrated on 4 districts of Kerala, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram. Survey and field works were done methodically and the results discussed. The conditions of tribal women are same everywhere eventhough slight variations exists according to the cultural identity, economy and social structure of tribals in different regions.it is in the light of this theoretical backdrop that the present study of traditional and contemporary status of tribeswoman has undertaken and the strands of tradition and modernity identified. This study is based on analytical and descriptive method. It is proposed to conduct the study on primitive tribal groups of Kerala, their socio-economic life and evolution and transition of tribal culture with the help of archival documents, development schemes and plans of tribal development offices, oral history method, extensive field study, interview with tribes. Observation photos, video and audio recordings can be used. Primary data collected, using the interview method, from the primitive tribal women, men, girls, NGO s, tribal workers, Anganwadi, ICDS workers, Public health workers and non-tribals. The primary data about tribal families were collected through a interview schedule, observation both direct and indirect. The datas given by both men and women of tribal communities. The primary data were supported by the oral history, in which the experiences of elder persons were collected. The information was further supplemented through observation and case studies. The secondary data about the traditional life style, culture, socio economic changes were collected through documentary sources such as books, monographs, journals, census reports, gazetteers and other relevant material available about the tribe. Secondary data will be collected from Tribal Associations, Tribal Research Centers, Tribal Development Offices, Social Welfare Department, Dept of Education and Health, Planning Board, Revenue Dept, Civil Supplies Dept, KIRTADS, and Government agencies.the proposed study is a Kerala based study on primitive tribes and it requires covering all the primitive tribal colonies of Kerala. The sampling method of investigation is, therefore, the most suitable method for conducting investigation where the size of universe is quite large. Depending on the type of data required Sampling can be used on the basis of certain statistical guidelines. With systematic sampling it is possible to arrive at meaningful results. Tools and Methods of Data Collection Proper tools and methods had to be designed for data collection before setting out for fieldwork. Keeping in view the composition of the universe of investigation, it was decided to use interviewing and observation techniques. Here the researcher employed historical methodologies in oral history and tribal women studies to get a complete picture of what really happened, why did happened, what were the conditions and forces that brought it about and also how it happened. Thus the researcher will able to identify the social forces, causes and actions of an historical outcome. 5

6 Survey design Qualitative research was undertaken primarily to inform the design of the questionnaire, verify the relevance of the conceptual framework to these communities. The study participants were asked a range of questions related to women s empowerment, such as their impressions of women s involvement in household decision-making. The questionnaire was developed from these qualitative data and from review of the literature and relevant survey tools. The questionnaire was translated into the local language, Kannada and Malayalam. The interviewers were asked consistent questions related to the issues and by using the electronic mode of recording, the answers were recorded. Findings of Study Status of tribal woman: Women s status is often described in terms of their level of income, employment, education, health and fertility as well as their roles within the family, the community and society. In tribal communities, the role of women is substantial and crucial.tribal women are at the forefront of the marginalized section. They are facing the greatest gender issues. Thousands of unreported atrocities on tribal women rape, sexual harassment and murders. The forests, mountains, and valleys are the sole witnesses. All the victims were tribe s folk belonging to the age group of 6-16 years. Erosion of societal values, alcoholism and abuse of drugs are the general cause of crimes against women. Poverty, economic injustice and social inequality, lack of awareness about legal matters, ignorance of laws and rights, social and economic deprivation, lack of proper socialization, diseases and frustrations, are the reasons for deterioration in the status of women. Socially and economically disadvantaged 99 percent of the people comes under the below poverty line. Low literacy rate No proper infrastructure facilities Inaccessible and remote location Earning low wages and exploited by others Long distance to the school after lower primary (3 to 5 kilometres have to walk) Limited road and public transportation facilities and poor access to facilities for the treatment of severe and complicated cases requiring immediate medical attention Higher primary and high school dropout rate is high Destitute population and children Threatening by wild animals like Elephant, Tiger, wild Pig, etc. Unsteady income - Most of the people are daily wage earners. Irregular work Malnutrition due to poor income leads to many days not able to go work Poor health care due to poor health facilities Poor medical facilities Distress sale of land and cattle to raise money to meet the medical needs 6

7 The average earnings of the people are minimal. It has been observed that the government health programmes yet to reach the people in these border areas. Status of the tribal children is worse due to various reasons. The poor tribal parents are not aware about the importance of health and education of their children. Compulsion to drop out their elder children to care their younger children in the houseis very much common. Far distance from their home to schools and health centres. The mal nutrition among the children stays alive in the area. There is no more special attention to the health and nutrition of tribal child especially female child. Many of the tribal childrens ill health is due to malnutrition and preventable diseases. Parents are not give priority for their girl child than male, hence the project create awareness about indiscrimination of girl child Health provision like nutrition, immunization and vaccinationand health insurance all take into account the children focus. Poverty and lack of facility is another obstacle contributing to poor enrolment of children in schools. Government functionaries not yet provide school health programme. Some Anganavadi functioning in in tribal area but many of the buildings were leaking at the time of rain. Lack of safe drinking water, sanitary facilities in the schools and Anganvadies. Threatening by wild animals like Elephant, Tiger, wild pig, etc. it is quite common Every year funds are allocated for the provision of basic amenities to the tribals. But meagre per cent of the amenities are reached to beneficiaries. The status of the tribal children in a society is a significant reflection of the level of social justice in that society. Tribal children's status is often described in terms of their rights, educational provisions, health as well as the roles they play within the family, community and society. Socio-cultural, economic, education, and political aspects have a deep influence on their parents and family background. Good child health and good society go together. This is possible only when supportive services such as health and nutrition, environment and education reach a higher level. Conclusion Tribal women form an integral part of poverty-ridden and marginalized groups. By empowering rural woman through education can thus enable them to live with dignity and self reliance cutting across the barriers of customary biases and prejudices, social barrier of caste, class, gender, occupation and institutional barriers that prevent them from taking actions to improve their state both at the individual and collective level. Tribal women are made aware, educated and imparted skills to understand the order of the day and this can bring change in their lives, in the family and lastly transform the holistic tribal landscape of India, through education, legal awareness, and socio-economic independence.women are the world s most and largest excluded group and receive only a small share of developmental opportunities. They are called as silent majority and 7

8 pace makers of development. Therefore without their development and progress there cannot be any real development in the world. The tribes of the world have been under tremendous pressure of proving themselves as fit to live. In the process of the fight for survival they have been converted to secondary positions and slavery most of the times. The objectives were achieved with the help of primary and secondary data. There are 36 Adivasi communities listed in Kerala with 5 Primitive tribal groups. Because of the time limit, the present study is concentrated on 4 districts of Kerala, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram. Survey and field works were done methodically and the results discussed. The conditions of tribal women are same everywhere even though slight variations exists according to the cultural identity, economy and social structure of tribals in different regions. In tribal communities, the role of women is substantial and crucial. Most of the tribal communities are still devoid of basic facilities like education, electricity, proper drinking water, health care, ample transportation, etc. But the lack of education in many of the rural tribal belts of India is proving fatal and acting as the breeding ground for social vices, evils and paving the way to anti-social/national activities. Tradition and modernity are relative concepts. No contemporary society can be wholly traditional and wholly modern. A society can be more modern or more traditional than another society. In one society traditions may be in a rapid process of change, whereas in another society this is a slow process. Transition from Tradition to Modernity is a constant and regular process though its speed may vary from society to society. But in modern world, the transition is rapid.social transformation of human experience in the first half of 20th century is seen in the development of political institutions, economic structures, ideological competitions and cultural areas.but there is no transition among tribals. We cannot call it as a transition just because a few of tribals cover their nakedness by wearing pants and shirts which are usually second hand begged from their employers. But even today these hurdles are still preventing progress of tribals. Most of the governmental programmes fail to catch the pulse of tribal problems. We can find tribals show some changes in their occupations, religious practices and beliefs, dress and food habits due to the impact of education, but this is only one step before thousand more steps require