“Things Fall Apart;” Blockchain Technology Can Hold: Exploring Blockchain Technology as a Tool for Preserving Tribal Cultural Heritage, A Decentralized Approach.

“Things Fall Apart;” Blockchain Technology Can Hold: Exploring Blockchain Technology as a Tool for Preserving Tribal Cultural Heritage, A Decentralized Approach.

Rituparna Das

Assistant Professor, BMLT Department, Calcutta Institute of Science & Management, Kolkata -40

Abstract: The incessant globalization and digitalization has resulted in merging up the societies, consequently their cultures have been mingling up so intricately with each other that it is becoming quite impossible to recognise their individual essences. This is indeed a threat, because the historical background constitutes a culture and losing a culture means losing one’s history, one’s ancestral identity and living the life of nobody. While the core cultures are facing the erosion, the threat of the same for the tribal cultures is quite alarming as with the extinction of their cultures they will extinct in the eyes of society and would be too vulnerable for exploitation. By leveraging Blockchain that is armed with transparency, immutability, and decentralized nature, and avails NFTs, the tribal communities can preserve and transmit their cultural heritage for their predecessors. This research paper seeks to explore the cultural challenges faced by tribes of West Bengal and potential of Blockchain technologies in safeguarding and preserving their cultures effectively. (162 words)

Key Words: TCH protection, Authenticity and documentation, Data privacy, IP rights protection.