"In the middle of India lies a vast land peopled with one of the country's largest tribal populations. Considered as the original inhabitants of this land, with a culture that traces back to pre-Aryan days, the tribals of Madhya Pradesh are as varied as they are vital. Living side by side with their Hindu and Muslim neighbours they have simultaneously managed to enrich and keep separate their cultural identity from theirs." "This book brings to you, for the first time, the exciting world of Madhya Pradesh's many tribes. Interwoven with their myths and legends, and illustrated with stunning colour visuals and with line drawings, here are the textiles and the tattoos, the stonework and the carvings, the totems and the ritual terracottas of the many tribes explained by scholars whose work has led them to spend half a life time with these people."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This Book Presents For The First Time, The Exciting World Of Madhya Pradesh S Many Tribes. Illustrated With Stunning Visuals And Line Drawings, These Tribal Arts And Crafts Are Explained By Scholars Who Have Spent Half A Lifetime With These People.

This book sheds light on the status of tribal communities in Central India with respect to governance, human development, gender, health, education, arts, and culture. Written by noted academics, thematic experts, and activists, this first-of-its-kind report by the Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation brings together case studies, archival research, and exhaustive data on key facets of the lives of Adivasis, the various programmes meant for their development, and the policy and systems challenges, to build a better understanding of the Adivasi predicament. This volume, Discusses the human development challenges faced by the Adivasis in India, covering the dismal state of health, education, and nutrition in Adivasi regions; Explores key issues related to gender and development in an Adivasi context, the impact of the loss of common lands and forests on their traditional economic roles; Presents the progress made thus far in implementing PESA and FRA; Examines the current state of 'Denotified Tribes' in India, the policy response of the state post-independence, and the abrogation of the act, and discusses the immediate need for recognition of their political rights; Highlights the importance of recognising, developing, and preserving Adivasi arts, music, dance, crafts, language and literature, and knowledge systems. Companion to Tribal Development Report: Livelihoods, this book will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of indigenous studies, development studies, and South Asian studies.

Contributed articles.

Crafts express a community’s true cultural identity. Traditional craft works often depict the social and aesthetic character of a society, and have been sustained over time not only because of their rich symbolic content, but also because of their contribution to the socio-economic growth of the region. The rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh is evident from the variety of traditional arts and crafts produced in the state - from textiles to woodwork, jewellery to leather products, and toys to bamboo products and tribal arts, Madhya Pradesh is a cornucopia of artisanal excellence. Its erstwhile royal rulers were enthusiastic patrons of the arts, commissioning exquisite sculptures, paintings, embroidered textiles and jewellery. This book attempts to bring out the strong socio-economic and cultural factors that have been the inspiration for the evolution of the rich tradition of arts and crafts in Madhya Pradesh. Keeping the historical and cultural perspective in mind, Timeless Traditions; Contemporary Forms looks at how these arts and crafts have developed over time, what their status is today and what the future holds for these aesthetic creations.

"Exploring the Heart of India: The Artistic Legacy of Madhya Pradesh" is a captivating journey into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the 'Heart of Bharat'. This book delves deep into the state's vibrant tapestry of language, literature, music, dance, drama, and handicrafts, painting a vivid picture of a land where ancient traditions and modern creativity intertwine seamlessly. Madhya Pradesh, with its diverse influences from the Aryans, Buddhists, and indigenous tribes like the Bhils and Gonds, presents a unique cultural mosaic. The book highlights how these influences have shaped the state's multifaceted culture, making it a repository of varied art forms. Readers will be enthralled by detailed accounts of Madhya Pradesh's famous handlooms and handicrafts. The state's textile wonders, such as Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, and the unique crafts like Gwalior carpets, Batik prints, and Gond paintings, are explored in depth. Each chapter dedicated to these crafts not only describes their beauty but also tells the stories of the skilled artisans behind them. Moreover, the book provides an insightful look into the Geographical Indication (GI) tags assigned to several of Madhya Pradesh's handicrafts and handlooms, underscoring their uniqueness and cultural significance. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian culture, traditional arts, and the vibrant legacy of one of India's most culturally rich states.