Indigenous Knowledge of Social and Customary Practices of the Birjia: Special Reference to Jharkhand State, India

Abstract (English)

The Birjia, recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Jharkhand, India, holds a wealth of traditional knowledge that shapes their social structures and customary practices. This abstract explores the depth of Birjia Indigenous knowledge, particularly in relation to their kinship systems, communal rituals, and governance. Drawing from ethnographic research, I examine how their social organization is not just a reflection of human relationships but is deeply intertwined with their belief systems, nature, and spiritual practices. Their kinship structures, governed by symbolic terms, foster social cohesion and resilience, with a focus on collective well-being rather than individual gain. Communal rituals, rooted in ancestral faith, connect the community to sacred landscapes, reinforcing their collective identity and ecological knowledge. Traditional governance practices, based on consensus and equitable resource sharing, serve as sustainable models for decision-making. However, these practices are under threat due to the pressures of modernization, globalization, and youth migration. This paper argues for the urgent need to safeguard Birjia knowledge, advocating for policies that integrate their traditions into broader development frameworks. By highlighting their social, ecological, and spiritual knowledge, I demonstrate how the Birjia offer valuable insights for sustainable living and community resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.