In an
era where quite a few number of tribal communities are leaving their tradition
nd culture behind, moving away from age-old-tradition towards mainstream of
civilization where they have access to water, electricity, healthcare and other
public utilities, some of the tribal communities still continue with their so
called endogenous heritage. Many examples can be observed where some tribal
communities joined the mainstream successfully. And today they are enjoying the
same services which were not accessible to them few years back and beyond their
reach.
However
it is not a story of all the tribals. There are many such tribal communities
exist across India which are still not prepared to give up the life style, they
have been following from centuries, and join main stream. May be they are not
comfortable with the idea or may be their living do not allow them to do so or
they may not be getting enough support which is needed or there may be other
reasons too. Even today these people wear colorful attire, follow age-old-tradition
so passionately like nothing else, carrying their endogenous but endangered
skills, and love for their community.
I
witnessed such a community few months back in Banni region of Kutch in Gujarat.
There are many tribal communities one can witness in this region, but the one
which stands out for me is Jat community.
The
Jat community is a cattle-herding nomadic Muslim community who migrated from
Sindh region where some members of the tribe still reside. The tribe is largely
known for its finest art and craft work, elegant leather work, great
embroidery, fine wood carving. The community is very good at pastoral work.
Even today they own cattle, and sell milk and butter which is the large source
of their livelihood.
The
tribe still continue with their tradition. Women wear headscarf to cover their
head, and often their face. They wear gold nd silver heavy and weird jewellery
in nose, ears nd neck. Also on head which gives them a completely different
look. On top of this they wear colourful attire. Girls in community are not
allowed to talk to strangers untill they get married. Older female can talk but
it rarely happens. It is also male-dominated society as many others in India. 😊
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