Social Movements in Tribal India

In India, the history of tribal social movements is quite old. These social movements have impacted tribal culture and tradition in multiple ways. Initially, most of these movements were local and largely reformative in character. But, as the interactions of tribals with outside forces, cultures, and traditions increased, the nature, magnitude, and intensity of social movements also increased. Contrary to the past, gradually these movements shifted from the issue of social transformation in their culture and lifestyle to their dignity, honor, human rights, and more. Of late, electronic media and civil society organizations have provided significant space to these movements, both at the local level and at the national and international level. Hence, the support base of these movements, either passive or active, have substantially increased during last couple of decades. In many cases, these movements have either halted, slowed, or forced the change agents to rethink on the model of development introduced in tribal areas. This book deals with nature, types, history, and consequences of social movements going on in tribal India, in both historical and contemporary perspectives.