Culture Contact, Mobility, And Change Among the Juangs of Odisha

Abstract

Culture contact and change have been subjects of inquiry among anthropologists, ethnologists, and sociologists. Studying them is vital for a nation, as it enables understanding of cultural and societal dynamics, informs policies and practices, and guides interventions Cultures came into contact for various reasons, including trade, migration, colonization, and tourism There are many factors, causes, forces, processes, and sources of change They can be categorized as social, religious, economic, political, technological, demographic, ideological, and developmental factors, among others Change has been conceptualized as the result of both external forces and endogenous factors Culture contact, mobility, and change are evident among the tribes in India, particularly in the state of Odisha The objectives of this study include understanding the relationships between tribal and other communities, examining tribal mobility in Odisha, and assessing the current status of tribal crafts and culture. The present study will be based on the primary data among the Juang tribe of Odisha The state of Odisha has been a land of tribes adivasis It is home to the largest number of 64 recognized tribes (officially Scheduled Tribes) and 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (The Juang also known as the Hill Juang is one of the PVTGs They are a forest dwelling community They belong to a techno economic stage of shifting cultivation Arts and crafts are an integral part of the Juang tribe's life However, there are changes in such practices for various reasons, such as cultural contact and tribal mobility.