Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Identity of Different Tribal Communities of Eastern India : a Study Dr
International Journal of Innovative Studies in Sociology and Humanities (IJISSH) ISSN 2456-4931 (Online) www.ijissh.org Volume: 3 Issue: 7 | July 2018 Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Identity of Different Tribal Communities of Eastern India : A Study Dr. Nikhilesh Dhar Assistant Professor, Dept. Of English, Onda Thana Mahavidyalaya, Bankura, W.B, India Abstract: The term ‘traditional knowledge’ which refers to the vast area of knowledge and accumulated belief textured in the cultural traditions of indigenous, local communities and based on interaction with the natural environment has been orally passed for generations from person to person and may also be expressed through various performing folk art forms. Cultural identity is the feeling of belonging to a group and part of a person's self-conception and perception that has its own distinct culture. Different types of traditional performing folk art forms along with tribal garments and ornaments, puppetry and tribal wall art have become indicators of cultural identity of different tribal communities of Eastern India. However, with the 21st century global world there is a strong need to preserve this indigenous knowledge and culture. The present paper, therefore, is an attempt to bring out the relation between indigenous knowledge and the cultural identity of the tribal community and the means of preservation and propagation of the tribal culture of Eastern India. Keywords: Traditional knowledge, Cultural Identity, Tribal Community, Preservation. 1. INTRODUCTION TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE In very simple analysis, the terms ‘traditional knowledge’, ‘indigenous knowledge’ and ‘local knowledge’ refer to the wide and broad area of knowledge, collected and gathered belief system, innovations and applications rooted in the long established cultural traditions of indigenous, regional or local bodies embodying their traditional life-styles.
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