ETHNO ecology AND ACCULTURATION A CASE STUDY OF THE GADABA TRIBE OF KORAPUT DISTRICT ODISHA

Abstract

This study represents ethno-ecological attributes and acculturation process among the Gadaba community of Koraput district in the state of Odisha. An in-depth observation and participant observation was carried out in the study blocks to understand the features of ethno-ecology and acculturation. The attributes of ethno-ecology were studied on the ground of agricultural practices, pest management techniques, indigenous food and beverage preparation, pre-cultivation and post harvesting festivals, forest dependence, plant based medicinal knowledge, housing and settlement structure, ethnic dress, dance and ornaments. The acculturation process was studied from the perspective of change in language, dress pattern, ornaments, social positioning, religious orientation, medicinal preferences, food habits and liquor preferences. To understand these attributes, primary survey was conducted in five Gadaba-dominant blocks at village level covering thirty villages. newline