SOCIO POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF BHUMIJ TRIBAL COMMUNITY IN WEST BENGAL-AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY

Abstract

Empowerment of the stigmatized and the tribal society has ever been the most important concern of Indian society. However, basically no universal measure exists to tap it. The aim of the study is to know the socio-political empowerment of Bhumij tribal community to understand the present status and changes among the Bhumij tribal community. This study is purely qualitative in nature and Ethnographic method has been followed. The study has been conducted by surveying 255 Bhumij households in West Bengal. Checklist cum household survey and interview schedule are used for collections of data. Participatory observation method also plays and important role for the collections of data. Occupational status, transaction with other communities, inter -caste marriage, position in local panchayat and awareness of their Democratic rights with some notable changes in Bhumij community has been analysed by the researcher. The social and political empowerment remains a burning issue across the tribal communities in Indian. The Present study tries to found out the socio -political empowerment of Bhumij community in West Bengal.