The Kolam Tribals

‘The Kolam Tribals’ is on a tribal community which has not much attracted the attention of the anthropological researchers. Ethnologically akin to Gonds, the tribe has got its own identity inspite of migration to different adjoining districts as well as states. In Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state it is classified as a primitive tribe and finds its habitat primarily in districts from Vidharbha and Marathwada regions. Apart from poverty and ignorance, lack of social cohesion and tribal leadership at district or state levels from their community has kept these tribals at a relatively disadvantageous position as compared to other similar tribals in their neighbourhood. This book attempts to depict an ethnographic profile of the tribe and also to discuss some of their socio-cultural as well as economic problems. Even their traditional methods of dispensation of justice have been studied. A chapter on the folk-literature of the Kolam tribals also enriches the knowledge about their tribal genre.