Transforming Tribal Identity: A case study of Kinnaura tribe in Himachal Pradesh

A “tribe” is a congregation of people inhabited in a specific region for generations. Tribes are social structures composed of various groups such as villages or lineages that typically share a unified territory, language, culture, political system, customary laws and traditional forms of education. Tribe’s living in forest areas and other remote places have their own culture, customs, practices and religion. These tribal societies have been unaffected by the sources of change. Kinnaura tribal communities are identified as indigenous groups. The Kinnaura tribal communities are most marginalized and vulnerable community enduring profound socio-economic hardships and systemic exclusion. No significant transformation has been taken place in socio-economic and political sphere among the Kinnaura tribal communities. The research paper will be helpful to understand the nature of the changes that have occurred the factors influencing these changes and ultimately the pace and direction of these transformations. The Kinnaura tribal community of Himachal Pradesh is known for its rich cultural heritage and indigenous practices is experiencing cultural transformation due to increased interactions with non-tribal societies and the impact of globalization. Their unique social, cultural, and economic characteristics distinguish them from other segments of society. Purposive sampling is used to collect the desired information in the present study. The primary data is gathered by using interview, case study, focus group discussion and observation method, which seek both qualitative and quantitative information. The study will highlight the delicate balance between preserving cultural identity and embracing modernity.