2025

Changing Socio – Cultural Patterns Of The Santhal Tribe: A Study In Bolpur – Santiniketan, Birbhum District

Author(s): Mampi Dey

Abstract

Tribe is a group of people who live together in an isolated particular geographical area. They live in a primitive style of life. Their relationship with nature is very close. They are not aware of the modern culture of the modern world. Tribal people are spread all over India, they are commonly known to us as Adivasis. In India, following the Bhil and Gond tribal communities, the Santhal tribe rank third in terms of population among the tribal communities. In the state of West Bengal, the Santhals constitute one of the most significant tribal groups, predominantly residing in the districts of Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, and bardhaman. Change is inevitable. Everything undergoes change; this is the reality. The present study seeks to analyse the patterns and processes of socio-cultural changes within the Santhal community, with particular reference to Banerpukur Danga, Goalpara, and Surul villages in Bolpur – Shantiniketan. The study examines various socio-cultural variables, including food habits, religious practices, dress, language, art and craft, housing pattern etc. It is based on both primary data collected through field surveys and secondary sources. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, and respondents were selected through random sampling technique .The findings suggest that the livelihood, social structure, and cultural practises of the Santhal community in Bolpur Shantiniketan are deeply rooted in nature and shaped by Santiniketan ashram and Visva- Bharati University. However, globalization, modernization, tourism, and the Shantiniketan Ashram have brought noticeable changes in their lifestyle, occupation, and cultural practices. Despite these transformations, they continue to preserve their traditional identity through their indigenous practices, customs, festivals and arts forms.