Tribes of Western India

This insightful study explores the social structures of five Scheduled Tribes in Gujarat, known collectively in Tribes of Western India.

This volume presents an in-depth empirical study of the social structure of five Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Gujarat, Western India, specifically the Gamit, Vasava, Chaudhari, Kukana, and Warli. It thoroughly analyzes their internal social organization, which encompasses institutions of household, family, lineage, clan, kinship rules, and marriage networks. By focusing on these aspects, the book sheds light on the complexities of tribal life in this region.

In the context of Indian society, there are two primary social formations: castes and tribes. While studies on castes tend to emphasize social structure, those on tribes often prioritize cultural elements. This imbalance has fostered a common misconception that tribes possess rich cultural practices but lack a defined social structure. Tribes of Western India aims to bridge this gap by providing a balanced examination of both social organization and cultural practices within these tribes.

The book also addresses the changes occurring within the social structures of contemporary tribal societies. Although the primary focus is on the tribes of western India, the insights gained are applicable to tribes across India. An important contribution to the field of tribal studies, Tribes of Western India will engage students and researchers in various disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, and public policy, as well as professionals working with NGOs and governmental organizations.