The tribal population is an integral part of India's social fabric In India, tribes are divided into several communities according to their customs and practices and geographical distribution. Primitive Tribal Groups are most vulnerable and economically backward communities within Scheduled Tribes. The Government of India initiated some criteria to identify Primitive Tribal Groups. They are pre-agricultural level of technology, low level of literacy, a subsistence level of economy and stagnant or declining population By relying on this, Government of India in 1976 categorized seventy five tribal groups as Primitive Tribal Groups. Likewise, geographical isolation, distinctive culture, primitive traits, shyness of contact with the community at large and economic backwardness coupled with discrimination and exploitation by the outsiders are generally considered as relevant factors for their exclusion.
Koragas of Kasaragod are considered as one of the primitive tribal groups Kerala. Being a depressed class, members of Koraga community are deprived of basic fundamental rights and thereby subjugated by upper castes for centuries. Koragas are mainly inhabited in South Canara district of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala. No positive study has been undertaken, so far to expose the historical attributes of the Koragas, on a rational basis. In this context, an earnest attempt has been made to unravel the cultural identity and socio-economic and educational change of the Koragas, in correct historical perspective. The proposed study on Koragas illustrates their immense cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and contribution to the culture. Koragas, once upon a time, held the status of real lords of the land. But now they are under threat due to marginalisation, deprivation and backwardness.
Writing history of the people, who do not possess expressly stated written language or written records, is a challenging task, in itself. In response to this the history of the primitive tribe Koragas could be traced by means of folk songs, folk tales, rituals and oral information passed from one generation to another. It is so because tribals try to record their history, deeds, thoughts and valuable experiences most by in memory. folks lore and folk culture.
Documents from National Archives, New Delhi, Central and State Archives Thiruvananthapuram, Regional Archives at Calicut, Files and records from Tribal Departments and Offices, Oral traditions from Koragas, elders, especially sources from Koraga families, interview with Tribal officers of Kasaragod and Manjeshwar, Tribal Promoters of different Panchayats and Municipalities are amounting to primary sources were rigorously used for the study, apart from extensive field study and interviews with tribes. The Archival records and Missionary records related to Missionary and educational activities in Manjeshwar serve as additive to this work. Oral history method, extensive field study, Personnel interview with tribals and field work, enabled to comprehend the history of Koragas since there is very less archival data about this sect.
The qualitative approach intensifies the nature of the methodology of this study. In sum, it is analytical, descriptive and objective, in nature. Simultaneous to the primary sources, secondary sources are utilized, prudently for this work from the prominent depositories and libraries. The secondary data about the traditional life style, culture, socio-economic changes were collected through documentary sources such as books, monographs, journals, census reports, gazetters and newspapers.
The knowledge of Kannada and Tulu languages and geographical features of Kasragod helped the researcher to undertake an intensive study. A native of Kasaragod as well as former teacher of Government Higher Secondary School, Kasaragod, Mangalpady, the scholar maintains a very good rapport with the Koragas. Moreover, the researcher has personal contact with members of Koraga families from her childhood onwards, especially at school and higher studies. Years of mental preparation to undertake this endeavour and deep instinct to study on Koragas induced to materialize this cause. As stimuli, proper tools and methods have been designed for data collection. Correspondingly, interview and observation techniques are applied. The primary data were supported by the oral history. The information was further supplemented by observation and case studies.
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