The tribals contribute a share of about eight per cent population of the country s population and spread over about 1/5 part of the country s land with 500 different tribal groups having special cultural traits and identity. Keeping in view the importance of ethnography of every tribal group, there is a gap in literature. This was a voluminous work, so I have decided to work on major tribal groups residing in different parts of the country.

Study conducted at eight districts of southern Orissa, India.

The origins and development of the fascinating variety of continents, countries and communities of the world are the engrossing subjects of the present prize set of 17 Vols. in 34 Parts of the encyclopaedia. With marvelously lucid text and equally graphic illustrations, the writers and editors present a panoramic account of the splendid variety of the family of mankind, its numerous and varied habitations, its physical, human and economic geography of man and his activities, and the living dynamic relation that mankind had with fellow communities across land and sea as well as with the planet that sustains all of them. The World Encyclopaedia of Nations and Nationalities opens to students, teachers and general readers a vast and beautiful window onto the great as well as the little known customs, manners and cultures of the world, reveals the universal geographical features and singularities of all countries in the continents, the introduces in vivid detail the many kind of inhabitants that are found world-wide. Not only is this brilliantly conceived encyclopaedia the pride of many libraries across the world, but it is also regarded as an apt companion and complement to the earlier historic work of Darwin, namely, Origin of the Species. In its comprehensive sweep and vibrant treatment the present the present volumes of this encyclopaedia will be an essential part of all libraries.

Tribal societies in India observe a diverse set of religious practices which are a quintessential part of their community life. This handbook explores rituals, beliefs, ceremonies and festivals, liturgy, knowledge and traditions that tribal people practice today and traces the history of their interaction with other religions, communities and cultures. The book provides analytical, intellectual, and cultural insights into the religious tradition of tribes within the interactive space of a pan-Indian civilisation. It examines contemporary religious practice within tribes while also exploring changes either brought on by interactions or political interventions. The volume reflects on the intersections of cultural or political life of communities and their religious worldviews. The book also discusses the processes of assimilation or adoption of different religion or religious traditions by tribes and the challenges of detribalisation and shrinking populations of vulnerable groups. It explores both established and emerging dynamics in the field of tribe and religion and provides a look into the unique systems of kinship, worship and life within many different tribal communities in India. This and its companion handbook, The Routledge Handbook of Tribe and Religions in India: Contemporary Readings on Spirituality, Belief and Identity, provide a comprehensive look into the religious life and practices of a very diverse group of tribes in India. It will be of interest to academics and researchers working in the fields of religion, anthropology, indigenous and tribal studies, social and cultural anthropology, sociology of culture, sociology of religion, development studies, history, political science, folkloristic, and colonialism.

Entries describe the location, population, history, and customs of tribes native to North America.