An outline of the trend of change: a case of an indigenous Rabha tribe of India

Abstract

The unique feature of indigenous Rabha tribal community in West Bengal is somewhat different as regards to the other indigenous tribal community in West Bengal. The Rabha society is of two ecological groups with strange co-existence of two different social systems, like, one group live in the reserve forest, and another group in rural revenue village. These two Rabha groups not only live in two ecological settings, but also there exist positive cultural and linguistic differences between these two groups. The purpose was to accentuate the present trend of changes over years among indigenous matrilineal forest Rabhas of West Bengal, India. The objective was to find out the trend of changes in today’s Rabha society in forest villages. Both the primary and secondary sources of data were used. The quantitative method was adopted. The interview technique was applied for data collection besides observation.
They are now experiencing the changing situation of progress, development and modernity. They have adapted to the significant changes in their exposure to the outside world beyond their community and villages; literacy and higher educational attainments; diversified economic activities, traditional cultural pattern, traditional political institution; and also emergence of a subtle differentiation in family status in society.