International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 4 Issue 2, February 2020 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

A Study on the Socio- Economic Impact of Deforestation upon

the Tribal Villagers in Galudih, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand
Soumen Jana
MSW, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Soumen Jana "A

Diverse resource of the earth increasing population, pressure on resources Study on the Socio- Economic Impact of
and man’s differing cultures or ways of life are the major inter-related factors Deforestation upon the Tribal Villagers in
which involve in the interaction pattern of man with his planet. In the course Galudih, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand"
of technological development by increasing his range of action, man has Published in
intervened more and more with the rest of the organic world. The increasing International Journal
population and its wants have imposed severe constraints on the natural of Trend in Scientific
resources. Constant pressure connected with the increasing requirements for Research and
food, fiber and fuel for human, fodder for cattle population and raw materials Development
for industries have led to an increasing rate of destruction of the forest since (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
the turn of the century. 6470, Volume-4 | IJTSRD29356
Issue-2, February
KEYWORDS: Livelihood Impact deforestation 2020, pp.818-828, URL:
www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd29356.pdf

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1. INTRODUCTION
Diverse resource of the earth increasing population, cultivation, handicrafts and other labour activities are
pressure on resources and man’s differing cultures or ways largely based on the forest. Various forest policies and
of life are the major inter-related factors which involve in the developmental plan implemented during the British period
interaction pattern of man with his planet. In the course of and after the independence have disturbed the fragile life
technological development by increasing his range of action, support system and self reliant autonomy of these forest
man has intervened more and more with the rest of the dwellers. Such impacts have triggered changes in the life
organic world. The increasing population and its wants have style of these communities and brought them to a stage
imposed severe constraints on the natural resources. neither of being neither in the modern life style nor of
Constant pressure connected with the increasing remaining unchanged to their original mode of life.
requirements for food, fiber and fuel for human, fodder for
cattle population and raw materials for industries have led Although the post independent policies have provision to the
to an increasing rate of destruction of the forest since the protection and development of the tribal people, the
turn of the century. indigenous age-old customs and their way of life have
already been threatened to a great extent.
Historically a tribal community as an isolated group confined
mostly to forests or to other remote region away from the Thus, the survival continues at the cost of over consumption
mainstream population. Forests remained their chief source of resources and exploitation human values. Understanding
of livelihood, but at later stage of their development they the extent of such situation requires knowledge of the
switched over to settled agriculture and to other manual existing social setup, human values, and equipment of
jobs. As their requirements were limited and the resource artifacts, interaction pattern and the utilization pattern of
including land were abounded they evolved a system of the surrounding resources.
property relation and ownership patterns different from that
of non-tribal population. They also evolved a unique culture Tribal’s are directly depending on forests for survival and for
and life style, traditions and practices, which could be quite their requirements ranging from medicine and nutrition to
often referred to as ‘backward and ‘irrational’ by outsiders. fuel and recreation. About 10% of populations of India are
forest dwellers and over 70% of them belong to the schedule
The ecosystem of the forest has an intimate relationship with tribe. Majority of the tribal’s are predominantly forest
the life of forest dwellers. Their cultural pattern and dwellers, are poor, illiterate and unexposed to the outside
economic activities such as food gathering, pastoral life, the world. They live cluster of village mainly hilly areas.

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Dependent primarily on shifting and cultivation and non
timber forest product. In other words, they depend on the
forest for their very survival.

The history of forest legislation in India begins with a

Memorandum issued by the British in 1855. Later in 1873,
this was amended and divided the forests into reserve,
protected and village forests. Government restricted the
movement of forest dwellers through this Act, and
empowered itself to prohibit any act that damaged trees,
even on lands that did not belong to it.

But this law is not implemented in the area which later

formed the state of Jharkhand. Till 1896 the forests of this
area remained in a state of nobody or anybody property. The
extinction of timber from forest passed though different
stages from that in olden days when each man cut and utilize
whatever he wanted, to Govt. levying a nominal fee for every
tree or candy of timber removed and finally to the system of
extracting timber by government agencies and sale in
government depot.

The decrease in the land-man ratio has brought pressure on

forestation for agriculture, industrial and settlement needs.
Massive deforestation and exploitation of other natural
resources have taken place for the purpose in India. Source- India state forest report 2011(forest survey of
Estimates have shown that the annual rate of deforestation India)
was about 0.15 million hectors during 1950 to 1970 and it
may have increased to about 1 million hectors since the later Human environment relations are confronted with major
part of the seventies. problems due to degradation of forests. Local communities
mainly the tribal’s are usually the most immediate and
The alarming deforestation in Jharkhand for development adversely affected by such degradation. Millions of people
purpose has affected normal habitat of the tribal’s, who live inside or in the periphery of forestland depending on its
constitute the major portion of the district. The tribal resources for their subsistence of these, the tribal’s are the
depends on these forests and now feel deprived of their own numerically dominant group with the degradation of forest
habitat. life of these communities has deteriorated as the socio-
economic and cultural system of these people are inter
The economy and livelihood of the people of east Singhbhum linked with the ecology of the forest. During the period of
district, Jharkhand is primarily based on forest and 1850 to 1980 above 43% of forest in the south Asian region
agriculture. Their multifarious needs, with almost all parts of were cleared for various purposes. In the India the current
their dwelling and substantial dietary requirements are deforestation rate is 1.5-2.0 million hectares per year.
accessed from the forest. It plays a significant role in
sustaining the livelihood of the people and potential cash The tribal’s who once lived in isolation, deep in the forest
income. This district produces sophisticated aircraft engines, and away from the mainstream of life, had their own
electricity, papers and plenty of forest produces. But the traditional social fabric and culture subsequently, contact
local population barely consumes them. They belong to a with outsiders developed, which had harmful as well as
traditional society. progressive effect on the tribal economy. While on the one
hand, there was an upheaval in their traditional outlook as
Ultimately deforestation has brought about radical change in they were exposed to the alien features of modern life which
the social, economic and culture life in the social economic brought about changes in their social, economic and cultural
and cultural life o the people in general and particularly, life.
forced the tribal’s to lead a life o poverty and misery. Large
scale compensatory afforastation plantation, soil Deforestation particularly affects the tribal life and their
conservation efficient joint forest management by the locals ecosystem as follows-
and the department officials and other appropriate measures
Reduction in soil cover, leading ultimately to the major
are required to be taken priority basis , beside awaking ecological disaster such as reduction in bio diversity,
environment consciousness in public minds to solve the increased soil erosion, drought, Floods, albino and CO2
situation from worsening further. emission adding to global warming, reduction in evapo-
transpiration, cloud and fog stripping and condensation
nuclei.

Destruction of traditional life support system of the
tribes and the consequent cultural alienation.

The conflicts between the tribal and the outsiders
leading ultimately to the alienation/displacement of
tribal people for example, development projects or the

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
national interest like big dams, mining operation major extent, but still mostly they depend on crop growing
industries and roads. and farming work. They gather fuel, green leaves, fruits,

Land alienation consequent on total lack of bargaining mohua flowers and seeds mainly for their own use, and
power, reduction in income and the lands taken over by kendu leaves for sale. Hunting and fishing have become
the money-lenders and the middlemen. pastimes. As regards household industries, women have

Poverty, indebtedness and bonded labour poverty knowledge of making mats and broomsticks from wild date
environmental nexus. palm leaves, while many men know brick-making and

Physical deterioration by a fall in the nutritional content carpentry.
of the food.
The Kisan religion reveals their values in soul, super human
There are 32 tribal communities throughout in Jharkhand. power, mana (cultivators), Bonga (dancing around
The tribes in Jharkhand were originally classified on the campfire), natural objects, different Gods, Goddesses and
basis of their cultural types by the Indian. The tribes spirits. They think that the soul of living beings dwell on
remained isolated from the mainstream of national life hills, mountains, wells, tanks, streams, mud pits, dry trees
perhaps due to their innate desire for self sufficiency. They etc. They also believe that all living and non-living things
retained their traditional and values even though they were hold super human control. They believe that every
fund inconsistent with modern life. They used the available happening in their society is brought by the super human
natural resources sparingly and with utmost care. power. In and around the settlement of the Kisan village, one
finds a number of spots dedicated to the names of different
It is being widely seen today that the traditional features of spirits of man, natural things, snakes, tigers, etc.
tribal life is gradually changing from being deeply ingrained
in tribal customs and traditions to something that is more 4. The Munda Tribe
modernized, in a developmental sense, due to adaptation of The Mundas engage in agriculture and as labourers in
modern ways of living and altered life-style pattern. mining units. Mainly Munda people follow the Sarna religion,
believing in a god called Singbonga. Still almost one-fourth of
Tribes of Jharkhand them have adopted Christianity. The surname of a Munda
1. The Saontal Tribe defines their identity. Many surnames are frequent among
With over 18 lacs population the saontal are the largest other tribes with slight variations. Surnames are based on
tribal group in the state, they dominate Jharkhand’s tribal natural elements, trees, animal’s birds or any nature related
population. Their concentration is mainly Dumka, Deoghar, object which are often found in Chotanagpur region.
Wests and East singhbhum district. They have a unique
heritage of tradition and lifestyle. The cultural refinement of Common surnames among the Munda are: Topno (species of
the santhal is reflected in their daily affairs- in the design, tree ant), Barla (Potter, species of fig tree), Aind (species
construction, colour combinations and the cleanliness of rare river eel), Kerketta (species of rare bird), Kandir (lion),
their homes. Settled agriculture is their main occupation Guria, Sanga, Kandulna, Bage, Lugun, Surin, Burh/Bur,
followed by gathering of forest goods. Their mother tongue Demta, Mundu, Jojo (Tarmarind), Honhaga (younger
is Santhali. They traditionally pray for the nature, sun, moon brother), Kongari (species of rare bird), Horo (tortoise),
and forest. Their religion is a blend of the ideas and rituals of Lomga, Samad, Purti, Bodra, Dang, Bhengra, Hem(b)rom,
Hinduism, tribalism and Christianity. Sohrai is the biggest Dodrai, Soy, Herenz, Tiru, Bhuinya (earth). Many Mundas
festival among santhal’s. also choose to write ‘Munda’ in place of their surname. There
are also group of Munda families who are called Sing Munda.
2. The Kharia Tribe
The three sections of the tribe lie at three diverse stages of 5. The Oraon Tribe
economic scale: the Hill Kharias handle to live on food The Oraons are described as an agricultural society.
gathering and hunting, the Dhelki Kharias on agricultural Tradition on agricultural work is less surrounded by the
work and the Dudh Kharias on settled agriculture. Some are Oraons, while the involvement working in mining, quarrying,
linked with the work related categories of transportation, and manufacturing, processing, servicing and repairs within
storage and communication. The remaining workers engage the industrial sector has shown an rising trend. They also
in mining and quarrying, construction, trade and commerce, have a considerable quota of workers in household
household industry, etc. Fishing is a secondary and rare performance.
economic pursuit for the Kharias. Commonly Kharia women
make mats out of date palm and splits of bamboo for their The Oraon Adivasis are the follows of Sarna Dharam (Sarna
own use. The Kharias make ropes out of sabai fibres and the religion) which has views alike to Hindu religion. This is
leaves of the aloe plant. A number of religious ceremonies partly documented in the book, Ray B.C. (2002). “Tribes of
are celebrated among the Kharias. Their religion is a blend of Jharkhand the Changing Socio-Economic Profile”, New
the ideas and rituals of Hinduism, tribalism and Christianity. Delhi: Gyan Books Pvt. Ltd.
They worship the deities of Nag Deo, Jal Deo, Gram Deo,
Dharti Mai, Brun Deo, Thakur Deo, Fire God, Burha-Burhi 2. Literature review
Deo etc. Although the study is focused on East Singhbhum district,
the tribal situation in many other parts other parts of the
3. The Kisan Tribe country have similarities in greater or less extent. Therefore
In most of the parts Kisans mainly belong to an agricultural a review of the important studies on the socio-economic
community. They have not yet engaged themselves in paid condition of the tribal’s in India is relevant for understand
employments like usual service, trade and commerce to a the specification of the situation in East Singhbhum.

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The earlier works on this topic were done by the British Insufficient employed and low opportunities of self
administrations that provide information in the form of employed have forced the tribal’s to indulge in illegal
gazettes, monographs and handbooks. Many Anthropologists activities like encroaching forests lands and illicit feelings. At
like I.K Ananthakrishna Lyer. The Dhebar Commission the same time the revenue oriented forest policy of the
(1961), the committee on tribal economy in forest area, the Government, by its single minded pursuit of commercial
national commission of agriculture (1976) the national plantation, has grossly neglected the needs of the tribal
committee on the development of backward areas (1981) population.
and the reports of the commissions for SC/ST from time to
time stressed the need for considering the tribal economy Some studies deal with the conflict over forest land among
with any of the programmes of forest as the tribes had a different communities and its impact on land use. For
symbiotic relationship with forests. instance Chundamannil (1988) examines historically the
forest land use policy and the conservation intent in India. It
A study entitled “the forest and the tribe – their inter is ascertained that forest management has been through
relationship” by Ghosh(1982), revels the balance mechanism different phases of conservation and development. During
established between forest and tribes. Ghosh’s study among the colonial period, plantation of export crops was given
the Lepchas of Darjeeling district, West Bengal observed that priority.
the use of plant of resources were absolutely governed by
the ethno-ecological understanding of the people. Most of Maheswari (1990) highlights that tribal’s are the repository
the structural materials were derived from the endemic of vast knowledge on the uses of biological materials which
spices. At the same time, it was found that in very limited is often kept secret and is passed on by the verbal traditions
and rational way, controlled consumption of wood was only. As the tribal scene in the topics is fact changing sue to
practiced by the tribal’s. The authors recorded a total deforestation, there is an urgent need to prepare ethno-
number of 112 species of plant used by the tribal’s to fulfill biological inventories and to evolve strategies for
all the needs of their community. conservation of ethno-biologically important spices and
overall protection of forests.
Guha (1983), while analyzing the British and post – British
forest policies in India, concentrates on the process whereby Rajaraja Varma (1991) in his article points out that tribal’s
the traditionally held rights of the forest communities have form an important part of the forest eco-system and
been progressively curtailed through the development of therefore, any activity in the name of biosphere reserve
forest policies, management and legislations. A feature should begin with a genuine understanding of the life style
common to the different types of forest exploitations and problems of the concerned tribal population Kelakar and
whatever the end use of the product, was the exclusion of Nathan (1991) analysis the changing gender role and the
those communities into whose territory such policies formation of participatory in the contest of the continuing
intruded. The author highlighted the fact that while before loss of control over land and forests on the Jharkhand
independent forests were exploited for strategic raw adivasis.
materials for imperial interest, in the post independent era;
it was the commercial and industrial interests which Moench (1991) has studied the cause of deforestation in the
dominated. In both situations the forest communities were Dalma Hills of Jharkhand. The author emphasis that the
consistently discriminated against. relation between the ethnic and religious communication
has greatly influenced migration, encroachment and conflict
Joshi (1983), taking a similar historical reasoning, argued and an overview of such relationship is essential to
that before the advent of the British, tribal’s who were the understand the land use dynamic in his historical analysis of
virtual owners of the forest lands wherever they inhabited, the cause of deforestation, the impact on the most immediate
were reduced to the poorest of poor and were put at the and adversely affected tribal community is left out.
mercy of the lower level functionaries of the forest
department. Socio Economic conditions of the tribal’s
A few sociological and anthropological works relating to the
Joshi (1987), examines the causes and consequences of socio-linguistic and ethnographic aspects of the tribal’s life
deforestation in Jharkhand. The author highlights the sharp are available. They provide and insight into the variety of
reduction in forest area in terms of low land-man ration. traditions that existed, their attitude towards land and their
Increasing population growth and the consequent increase interaction with other communities. In “Ethnographic notes
the demand for agriculture land, fuel-wood, fodder and on Eastern and India” and “Tribes and Caste of Eastern part
timber led to the encroachments on forest land and illegal of India” Thurston (1906 and 1909) explains in details the
forest clearance. The development programmes started by ethnographic survey conducted on the difference tribal’s
the central and state government have also caused communities. It is the first work on Eastern Tribes. Details
deforestation to great extent. Deforestation is thus and such as original ways of life, customs ritual, religious belief
outcome of interaction between the factors governing the tribal communities are explained in these monumental
agricultural expansion and forest land uses on the one hand works.
and nature and extent of forest resources management and
utilization on the others. Ananthakrishna layer (1980) work on the various castes and
tribes of Jharkhand in four volumes, titled “Jharkhand Tribes
Ghate S ruche (1988), in her thesis examined the economic and Castes” is the first of its kind and carries description on
impact of forest policy on the tribal’s. The study points out tribes like Saontal, Munda, Oraon, Hoe and other with
that the dwindling forest cover has severely affected tribal’s emphasis on their socio-economic, cultural and linguistic
dependence on forest and adversely their standard of living. elements.

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Krishna lyer (1937) also did similar ethnographic work in Thus, the survival continues at the cost of over consumption
Jharkhand area. He concentrated his study on the hill tribes, of resources and exploitation human values. Understanding
who were fast dying out. His first volume describes the the extent of such situation requires knowledge of the
Jharkhand tribal’s. existing social setup, human values, and equipment of
artifacts, interaction pattern and the utilization pattern of
Mathur (1977) apart from being a descriptive study on the the surrounding resources.
socio-linguistic evolution of tribal’s in Jharkhand provides
valuable statistical information on some of the major Tribals are directly depending on forests for survival and for
problems confronted by the tribal’s like land alienation, their requirements ranging from medicine and nutrition to
bonded-labour, indebtedness and the status of tribal women. fuel and recreation. About 10% of populations of India are
Chattopadhya (1978) is an attempt to interpret and depict forest dwellers and over 70% of them belong to the schedule
the varied aspects of Indian Tribal life such as the origin, tribe. Majority of the tribal’s are predominantly forest
traditional dress, social customs, symbolism of their rites dwellers, are poor, illiterate and unexposed to the outside
and ceremonies. He pointed out the fact even through there the world. They live cluster of village mainly hilly areas.
are some similarities in belief and life styles between tribal’s
non-tribal’s, they have not blurred the sense of social 4. Objectives
distinction nor have they eroded their distinct tribal’s The study aims at examining the changes that have occurred
features. The latter is a social and anthropological study in the deforestation of Galudih (Purbi Singhbhum district)
carried on systematically. and impacts of on the tribal. The study comes to sharper
focus on the following specific objectives:-
“Socio-Economic survey of tribal’s In Kerala” 1979,
To trace the history and modes of deforestation in
conducted by the state Bureau of Economics and statistical Galudih (Purbi Singhbhum district).
during 1976-78, is the most comprehensive survey on the
To analyze the tribal development and the socio-
Schedule tribe’s in Jharkhand. The main points of focus are economic condition of the tribal communities in
the demographic features, literacy level, traditional Jharkhand.
occupation and current occupation, income and expenditure,
To study the impact of deforestation on tribal in the
indebtedness, housing, schooling, health related aspects of study area.
the tribal’s.
5. Methodology
Singh’s (1982) presents the economy of the tribe through Both primary and secondary data have been utilized for the
specific case studies from different parts of the country. The study. The available historical records and gazetteers were
diversities of regional situation and multiple process of consulted. An attempt has been made to put the historical
transition are dealt with similar case studies. He focuses on information in the analysis framework which contribute to
change and transformations are death with similar case the analysis of deforestation and socio-economic data
studies. He focused on change and transformation of modes collected during the field survey in the fact of unavailability
of products, including the relations of production. He also of certain original historical records and published materials,
raises the larger issue of the relationship of the tribal the study replied upon primary data and sampling design.
economy with society. For the collection of primary data a simple random sampling
method was adopted while selecting the sample, the unit of
The present study is designed to examine the Socio- which is household.
Economic impact of the tribal’s in East Singhbhum district of
Jharkhand which is not touched upon by the others. A study The collection of primary data was contained to a single
on socio-economic impact of deforestation on tribal life is block in East Singhbhum district of the 10 block in the
relevant in this context and hence the present study. district, Ghatshila block was selected purposefully due to the
following reasons.
3. Rationale of the study a. Ghatshila is the largest block in East Singhbhum district
The ecosystem of the forest has an intimate relationship with in terms of geographical area (3,533 km2).
the life of forest dwellers. Their cultural pattern and b. Population of the tribal’s is highest in Ghatshila,
economic activities such as food gathering, pastoral life, represented by all communities in the district.
cultivation, handicrafts and other labour activities are c. Large scale deforestation has occurred in the block for
largely based on the forest. Various forest policies and mines.
developmental plan implemented during the British period
and after the independence have disturbed the fragile life The major tribal’s communities are the Block. Considering
support system and self reliant autonomy of these forest the name of the study, they are classified into two categories
dwellers. Such impacts have triggered changes in the life on the basis of forest living.
style of these communities and brought them to a stage
neither of being neither in the modern life style nor of
remaining unchanged to their original mode of life.

Although the post independent policies have provision to the

protection and development of the tribal people, the
indigenous age-old customs and their way of life have
In addition, data relating to the various parameters were
already been threatened to a great extent.
collected using a structural questionnaire. The socio-
economic parameters selected in order to facilitate a
comparative analysis of the standard of living of the selected

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communities are land ownership, income, employment, The next chapter gives a macro view of the nature of
housing structure, literacy level, medicine and the degree of deforestation in Jharkhand. A historical overview of
dependence. deforestation and the process of settlements and
development. To supplements the above, a micro level
Extensive field visit were conducted and discussions were analysis of the present socio-economic status of the selected
held with the tribal’s leaders, local communities. A historical communities based on the data gathered from the sample is
overview of deforestation in the High range since the done. The summary of the major findings and conclusion of
beginning of the 18’s century could be attempted using the the study are brought together in the chapter.
data obtained from the records and published account of
various departments. 7. Limitation of the study
The study is confined to the socio economic conditions of
Universe of the study three selected tribal communities and the impact of
The Purbi Singhbhum district has an area of 3,533 km2, and a deforestation on their welfare. Analysis of the identified
population of 2,291,032 (as of census 2011). It is surrounded parameters is only to the extent that contributes to the
by Paschim Mednipur district in east and Purulia district is overall objectives. Details research on any of those
to the north. West Singhbhum district to the west. parameters is outside the scope of this study. Absence of
Mayurbhanj district of Odisha on the south. In Purbi historical records on the origin and the literacy among the
Singhbhum district total 11 blocks, 1609 villages. sample population came in the way as difficulties during the
progress of the study. However every attempt has been
Unit of the study made to overcome this shortcoming.
In Ghatshila block 150 villages, out of Galudi has been
selected for present study. Limitations of varying degrees encountered in the process of
any research investigation of this study. The conclusion
Sample size drawn on the basis of sample study which was valid for the
The Purbi Singhbhum district has been purposively selected sample villages and generalization made for the block and
for conducting the present study. From this district, Galudi villages were done. Despite all the limitations the study is
village in Ghatshila block has been chosen for the present worthwhile as it covered some of the sociological aspects of
analysis. This village total household is 106 (according to livelihoods such as agricultural pattern and allied activities,
census 2011). The village is occupied by schedule tribe. The livelihood assets, development programmes and
total sample size is of the household selected for this study is vulnerability.
30.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Sampling method 1. Distribution of the Respondents by Religion
Sample selected through simple random sampling method. Row Labels Count of Religion Percentage
Tools of Data collection Hindu 8 27%

Primary data: - Primary data will be collecting through Soantal 22 73%
survey, personal interview and observation. Grand Total 30 100%

Secondary data: -Secondary data will be collecting Fig-1:- Interpretation of Religion
though journals, books, magazine, newspaper, libraries, Source: - Primary Data
and internet.
As the religion being a component of culture, it is capable of
Tools and Techniques modulating behavioral pattern of individuals and considers
Simple statistical tools were employed for the analysis of the it as superior to him. The people belong to same religion
data. In order to measure the socio-economic standards of have common value system and normative patterns that
the selected communities, conventional yardsticks like guide their behavior and social practice.
income, employment and the extent of land holdings were
used.

Assessment of the impact of deforestation on the social life of

the tribal’s was done through intensive interaction with the
heads of families, and the older generation arranges the
selected communities, non tribals and various resources
personnel.

6. Research Design
The thesis is total six chapters. The first chapter is
background, review of the literature, methodology,
limitation of the study. Chapter two provides an overview of
the tribal development and the socio-economic status of the Fig-2:- Pie Diagram
tribal communities in Jharkhand. Next chapter contains the Source: - Primary Data
profile of the study area and the selected tribal’s
communities, covering the early history, forest cover and The Fig-1 and 2 shows that this study area majority people’s
demographic characteristics of the District. This chapter also religion is Saontal (73%). Other religion is Hindu (27%).
covers the way of life, traditional practices, settlement That Fig shows that this study area is mixed religion
pattern, migration, customs and rituals, of the selected tribal community. This region people are not facing any religion
communities. problem.

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2. Distribution of the Respondents by Caste Being close to the educational institute and being aware of
Type of Cast Count of Cast Percentage the importance of education, only 13% are High School
GEN 2 7% passed. Among the respondent 60% is Illiterate. 20% are
OBC 6 20% literate, 3% are lower primary. 3% are upper primary. The
ST 22 73% main reason is for the high rate of illiterate is backwardness.
Grand Total 30 100% The most determinant factor is their lack of interest and
Fig-3:- Interpretation of Cast motivation. Even the older age generations do not know the
Source: - Primary Data importance of being called as literate.

4. Type of House
Count of Type
Type of House Percentage
of House
Hut 3 10%
Thatched 5 17%
Tiles 22 73%
Grand Total 30 100%
Fig-7:- Interpretation of Type of House
Source: - Primary Data

Fig-4: - Bar Diagram of Cast

Source: - Primary Data

Caste is a universal phenomenon of the past and present

static in the society. In The rural social fabric of India and
particularly in India, caste assumes a great Role in
decorating the life chances and livelihoods options for any
individuals within the contemporary caste. The Fig-3 and 4
shows that this study area majority peoples are Schedule
Tribe (73%). No Schedule Cast is there. Some General Fig-8:- Diagram of House type
category (7%) lives there. 20% OBC is lives there. Source: - Primary Data

3. Literacy Level The Fig-7 and 8 shows that, majority of the respondents
Almost all the elders in the Galudih settlement are illiterate. living in tiled houses (73%), 17% of the respondents living
They do not believe in being educated at this age. Facilities in thatched and only 10% of the families are living in Kutcha
are ample to send their children to the nearby schools as the houses (Hut). Most of the Tiled houses are in dilapidated
settlement is connected by road. These people however of conditions and the respondents do not have enough financial
late seem to be aware of the importance of being educated. resources to repair or to improve the housing conditions.

Row Labels Count of Education Percentage 5. Types of Occupation

High School 4 13% Types of Count of Wage
Percentage
Illiterate 18 60% Season labour
Literate 6 20% No 4 13%
Lower Primary 1 3% Perennial 13 43%
Upper Primary 1 3% Seasonal 13 43%
Grand Total 30 100% Grand Total 30 100%
Fig-5:- Literacy level of the Tribal Community Fig-9:- Interpretation of Wage labour
Source: - Primary Data Source: - Primary Data

Time of Count of
Percentage
Agriculture Agriculture
Perennial 2 7%
Seasonal 28 93%
Grand Total 30 100%
Fig-10:- Interpretation of Agriculture
Source: - Primary Data

Time of Animal Count of Animal Percentage

Husbandry Husbandry
Perennial 30 100%
Grand Total 30
Fig-11:- Interpretation of Animal Husbandry
Fig-6:- Diagram of Literacy level
Source: - Primary Data
Source: - Primary Data

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The occupation has been considered as a social phenomenon also influences other socio – cultural aspects of the
than economic criterion. Occupation not only decides the respondents. The monthly income of the respondents shows
status, position of the respondents but also the nature of that 17% of them were engage 30 days in a month. 43% of
day-to-day life. The majority of the respondents primary wage labour is engage 25 days in a month. 17% of
occupation were agriculture and wage labour. Being a dry respondent are engage 20 days in a month. 17% of
district, agriculture activities in the study area were respondent is not engage. 3% of respondent are engage 10
dependent on the monsoon rains. Women and further days in a month. 3% respondents are not working.
children were generally involved in agricultural activities in
monsoon time and at rest of the time, they were engaged in
Income from cattle rearing
alternative occupations other than agriculture. Count of What is the
Income(Rs) Percentage
income obtained
6. Income 2000 5 17%
Income from wage labour 3000 13 43%
Wages/Per Count of Wages Percentage 4000 5 17%
Day(Rs) per day 5000 4 13%
0 6 20% 6000 3 10%
150 2 7% Grand Total 30 100%
250 18 60% Fig-15:- Interpretation of Cattle Rearing
300 4 13% Source: - Primary Data
Grand Total 30 100%
Fig-12:- Interpretation of wages of Wage labour
Source: - Primary Data

Fig-16:- Interpretation of Cattle Rearing

Source: - Primary Data

Income as an important economic variable not only

influences the standard of living and per capita income but
Fig-13:- Diagram of Labour Wages also influences other socio – cultural aspects of the
Source: - Primary Data respondents. The annual income of the respondents shows
that 43% of them were in the income range of 3000 from
Income as an important economic variable not only cattle rearing. Second category, 17% of respondent earn
influences the standard of living and per capita income but money from cattle rearing 4000 and 2000 respectively.
also influences other socio – cultural aspects of the
respondents. 60% respondent of this study area get wages 7. Asset ownership
Rs-250/Day. 13% of respondent of this study area get wages Name of the Asset Yes No Percentage
Rs-300/Day. 7% of respondent of this study area get wages House ownership 30 0 100%
Rs-150/Day. 20% respondent not worked. Electricity 30 0 100%
Water Supply 30 0 100%
Days of Count of How many days Toilet 30 0 100%
Percentage
Work in a month get work Fig-17-Interpretation of asset ownership
0 1 3% Source: - Primary Data
10 1 3%
20 5 17% The Fig-17 shows that 100 percent of the respondents have
25 13 43% own house. While 100 percent of respondents availed
30 5 17% electricity connection, 100 percent had the accessibility to
No 5 17% water supply. Toilet facility was found in 100% of the
Grand respondents, with own house. The ranges of infrastructural
30 100% facilities vary across the population. The asset ownership
Total
Fig-14:- Interpretation of Working days/month indicates the economic status of these families.
Source: - Primary Data
8. Land use pattern
Income as an important economic variable not only Agriculture is the mainstay of the Indian Economy.
influences the standard of living and per capita income but Agriculture and allied sectors contribute nearly 22 percent
of gross domestic product (GDP) while about 65- 70 percent

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
of the population is dependent on agriculture for their in larger cases. However the factors such as nature of land,
livelihood. The agriculture output, however, depends on i.e., cultivable or non cultivable is more important than the
monsoon as nearly 100 percent of the area sown is mere ownership of the land.
dependent on rainfall. Natural resources of agriculture play
an essential role in poverty reduction. Improving technology Type of Count of What is the
in agriculture is essential for enabling food security in Percent
corp corp cultivated
developing countries. No 2 7%
Rice 26 87%
Land Holder Count of Land Holder Percent
Sal, Segun 1 3%
Yes 28 93%
Sal, Segun,
No 2 7% 1 3%
Sonajhuri
Total 30 100% Grand Total 30 100%
Fig-18:- Interpretation of Land Ownership Fig-21:- Interpretation of Type of Corps
Source: - Primary Data Source: - Primary Data
The Fig-18 elucidates that the landownership generally The Fig-21 shows the status of different agriculturalists in
refers to the status of the households. It is worth noting the terms of the cultivated crops. It cites that all of them
social reality that ‘land is power’. In rural areas the land is cultivated paddy (87%), 6% are cultivated Sal, Segun,
considered as the significant determinant of one’s own social Sonajhuri. Thus higher the proportion of land, variety of
status. In the study area it was found that, the land crops were cultivated and hence, the livelihoods options are
ownership is among 93 percent households. The majority of more for them. It is worth to note that the Respondents
the Respondents have land in their name and the extent of generally follow multi crop cultivation patter. For instance,
distribution land varies among them, as discussed below. one agriculturalist may cultivate the paddy in one season
(especially during rainy season), the cultivation of Sal, Segun,
Count of Land for and Sonajhuri will be generally done in altogether in many
Land Size Percentage
Agriculture seasons. Further the study observed that the small land
0.2-0.5 12 40% owners i.e., generally cultivate paddy fully. Higher land
0.6-1 10 33% holding may provide a chance of multi crop cultivation.
1.2-2 6 20% 9. Degree of Dependence
No Land 2 7% The degrees of dependence of the tribal’s on the forest
Total 30 100% depend upon several factors. These factors include their
Fig-19:- Distribution of the Respondents by Acres wise socio-economic status, living condition, cultural and religious
Land norms, literacy level etc. however the tribal communities
Source: - Primary Data which have gained access to the modern amenities have
started adopting the new ways of life the changes that took
place in the vanishing forest and their activities over the
centuries have affected the extent of dependence on forest in
terms of their dependence for food, house hold, fuel,
medicine etc.

Count of Dependence
Forest Goods Percentage
of forest good
Medicinal
6 20%
plant, Hunting
Timber,
Medicinal 24 80%
plant, Hunting
Grand Total 30 100%
Fig-22:- Interpretation of dependence of forest goods
Source: - Primary Data
Fig-20:- Distribution of the Respondents by Acres wise
Land As can be seen from table depends on forest good. In study
Source: - Primary Data area the respondent most of them (80%) are depending on
forest, Timber, Medicinal Plant, Hunting. Rest of respondent
In context of rural Jharkhand, Land holding shows that the (20%) are depend only Medicinal Plant and Hunting. They
most of populace have enough land for agriculture. The get all the raw material required for hut and thatches.
present study, exhibits that nearly 40 percent of Timber is required for fuel wood. Traditionally they believe
Respondents owns 0.2 to 0.5 acres of land., 33 percent of the on medicinal plant, for their health care and medicine.
Respondents own 0.6 to 1 acres of land, 20 percent owns 1.2 Traditionally they like Hunting, but in Jharkhand entry in the
to 2 acres and above land. 7 % respondent has no land. forest is restricted, for this reason they depends on kerosene
There is enough evidence to support on sizable land holding for fuel. Now they are purchasing goods from market.

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10. Govt. Scheme the forests for timber on a large scale for the monetary
Count of the benefits. Depletion of natural forests in the study area
Scheme’s Percentage
scheme became more pronounced during the second half of 19th
Gas, Electricity 1 3% centuries. The local communities mainly the tribal who lived
Gas, Electricity, inside or in the periphery of the forests depending on it for
1 3% their existence were always the most immediate and
Ration
No 6 20% adversely affected by such ruthless exploitation.
Ration 18 60%
Ration, Gas 2 7% Tribal in the past practiced shifting cultivated and subsisted
Ration, Housing 1 3% by the collection of the forest produce. Various forest Acts
Ration, Housing, Gas 1 3% along with the prohibition of shifting cultivation in 1867
Grand Total 30 100% brought about drastic changes in the life of the tribal’s. After
independence to the Indian Govt. followed the British policy
Fig-23:- Interpretation of dependence of Govt. Scheme
Source: - Primary Data in the forestry sector. Immigration into East Singhbhum led
to further changes in the forests and impoverisation of the
tribal’s. One of the major outcomes of such large-scale
This table shows that more than 70% are available Govt.
immigration was the progressive alienation of the tribal’s
Ration Scheme. 12% are available subsidies gas. 6% are
available electric facility. Housing for Tribal’s (Indira Gandhi from the land.
Awas Yojona) available 6%. 20% of respondent are not
Narrowing down to the three selected communities, the hill
available any Govt. Scheme.
Dalma prior to these change had equal access to the
forestland and were totally dependent on its bounties for
1. Summary
their substance. In the wake of capitalist development in the
In olden days the tribal’s lived in harmony with nature and
utilized what they needed. In fact the forests met all their agricultural sector the hill Dalma were offered attractive
wages as labour. Thus given the option of low value
basic needs. But now there has been significant change in
agriculture, tenure insecurity and wage employment, they
man-forest-interaction in tribal’s area. This is brought about
by a variety of factors such as inaccessibility of forest opted for the last. The live in the forest amidst all the
resources, land alienation and annihilation of resources base restrictions enforced on them on the use of forests and they
had to depend on their patrons and immigrants in order to
of the tribal’s. Because of the high rate of deforestation
make both ends meet. Resultant of these entire factors is the
certain hamlets do not obtain even firewood and thatching
materials sufficiently. However, not much attention has been present socio-economic conditions of these tribal
communities.
paid to record these changes and the possible impact on the
socio-economic condition of the tribal’s people, who are the
under privileged in the society. Even though all the three communities were totally
dependent on the forest for their substance in the past. Their
substance agriculture and at present they are engaged in the
In order to understand the full implications of the problem,
micro-level study was considered most appropriate. Keeping cultivation of rice. Landless are larger are labour class.
Though landless they are cultivated on the land they have
this is view a detailed study was conducted in the tribal’s
access but no title deeds.
areas of East Singhbhum. East Singhbhum district was
selected mainly for two reasons. First reason has been a high
rate of deforestation. Deforestation has adversely affected The self sufficient non-monetized tribal economy of the past
which relied heavily on the forest for needs was transformed
the socio-economic conditions of the forest dependent tribal
into a money based economy which bought with it its
in the district. Secondly the district has the second highest
concentration of tribal’s population in the state. vagaries. Thus the tribal’s are at present reduced to the
status of mere labours living on daily wages and thereby
market dependent. Unlike in the past, where concept was
The study was based mainly on primary data was gathered
from 130 tribal household located in the of East Singhbhum. day to day existence with no thought of tomorrow, today
they are conscious of their living conditions, future and
A multi stage simple random sampling method was used for
status.
the selection of the samples. Participant’s observation and
questionnaire methods were used for the collection of
primary data. The secondary data was collected from Importance of religion has seen a decline, with rites and
rituals being performed mechanically, without the
published reports and historical records. The summary of
traditional forever and gaiety. District important traits have
the major findings and conclusion of the present study are
given in the following pages. A few policy suggestions that disintegrated with the development of apathy for traditional
song, dance and ornaments.
emerge from the study which can help to solve problems
faced by the tribal’s are also made in the chapter.
2. Conclusion
The main economic livelihood of the tribal’s is their manual
Forest has been the lifeline for the survival and substance of
labour and there is not much diversity in their employment
the tribal population from time to immemorial. Writings of
the past indicate that the forest in the pre-British days was pattern and source of income. The earning capacity being
luxuriant and agriculture too flourished without seriously low, their income and standard living too are correspondly
at a low level.
hampering each other. Organized exploitations of forest took
place in the early 18th century by the Poonjar Rajah and it
gained alarming properties during the British rule in the late Among the land possessing tribals, the average size of land
holding is less than two acres. Majority of the land is
18th and 19th centuries. The British commercially exploited

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cultivated and the important crop is rice. The main reasons 3. The development programmes implemented through
of the low productivity are the lack of financial assistance ITDP (Integrated Tribal Development Projects) are
and inadequately of irrigation facilities. Alienation of land is mostly beneficiary oriented programme aiming to get
serious problem among the tribal households. Transfer of benefits to the tribal’s directly. In a backward they
land was necessitated mainly because of their failure to raise should supplementary by area development programme
adequate resources to meet their various consumption so as to improve the socio-economic conditions of the
needs. tribal’s.
4. Preference should be given to the tribal labourers in the
As the tribal’s are economically backward they dependent
forest department plantations and the Commercial
mainly on wage income and it’s supplemented by their
Plantations adjoining tribal habitation, as the
income from land. Less than 50% of the tribal children is
employment of tribal labour is negligible there.
school going. The rest are retained at home mainly due to the
lack of desire for education. 5. Agriculture development on modern lines must be
introduced in the backward tribal agrarian regions.
A comparative study of the tribal’s communities using Station imparting technical know-how, training in
crucial indices of land ownership, income, employment, modern farming techniques and providing seeds and
education and housing revels that the present socio- seedling to the farmers must be established in important
economic conditions are very depressing, though the landed tribal centers.
community is better off. The indices of development such as
the size of land holdings, income, employment, education, 4. Bibliography
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the above conclusion. strategy For Environmentally Sound and Paticipatory
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the development scheme are not implemented in earnest prespective,WWF.
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backward state. conservation in India.
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The following suggestions/ recommendation which have
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1. The tribal’s consist of well-knit cohesive groups, series of India.
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Development in India,New Delhi.
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So, the alienated and dispossessed land should be given
back to the tribal’s.

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