Sceb

SCEB FIELD VISIT REPORT

BY GROUP B9

Towards ecological, economical, cultural and social sustainability

with Bamboo

Primitive Tribal Groups

Primitive tribal groups (PTGs) are considered to be backward even amongst the tribal population in the country. Due to their dependence on pre-agricultural technology and low literacy and declining sources of sustenance, the population of PTGs is rapidly dwindling. Usually the PTGs have lived in isolation from the civilisation for thousands of years. Due to rapid urbanisation, many of them are rapidly moving away from traditional techniques of livelihood. India is home to 75 PTGs of which 5 are in Gujarat . These 5 groups account for 1.5 % of Gujarat’s population. The PTGs in Gujarat include the Sidis (erstwhile slaves brought from Africa), Kolghas, Kathurias, Padhars and the Kotwalia community. The Kotwalia community is unique since they are one of the few PTGs who possess a skill-set in Bamboo basket making.

The Kotwalias

The Narmada Basin is home to the Kotwalia tribal community of Gujarat. Their population is approximately 5000 families. The Kotwalias are traditionally a nomadic tribe who live off the forest in terms of food gathering, hunting and bamboo craft. Given their landless condition, most Kotwalias are located in small isolated camps either in hilly areas or the river banks of Gijarat. Traditionally, the community used the bamboo growing in these regions to weave utilitarian baskets. The community uses these baskets to barter with neighbouring villages for grain and other utilities. They are not engaged in any agricultural activities and their nomadic nature has made them primarily landless.

The greatest cause for the decline in their livelihood is the Indian Forest act of 1865 which prohibited them from using forest resources freely which was their primary source of sustenance. Even in post independent India their condition has not improved, in fact it has only worsened.

Due to the lack of...