Ethnographic Study of Traditional Practices among the Panchmahal Bhil and Other Indian Tribes

Abstract

This research paper examines the traditional knowledge and practices of the Panchmahal Bhil tribe, a prominent indigenous community in Gujarat, India. It compares them with those of other tribal groups across the country. The study documents their agricultural practices, healthcare knowledge, customs and sacred rituals, highlighting their role in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, is an integral part of these communities’ identity and survival, offering sustainable solutions often overlooked by modern science and technology. The paper emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge in the face of socio-economic pressures and environmental changes, offering recommendations for integrating this knowledge into broader development frameworks. Case studies of the Santhal and Gond tribes illustrate India’s indigenous heritage’s diverse yet interconnected nature. Through this comprehensive examination, the paper aims to contribute to the broader discourse on the value of traditional knowledge and its role in achieving sustainable development goals. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges these communities face in preserving their traditional knowledge systems amidst modernity and suggests actionable strategies for their preservation and revitalisation, ensuring that these invaluable practices are not lost but integrated into contemporary development models.