Continuity and Change in a Little Community: A Study of the Bharias of Patalkot in Madhya Pradesh

With increase in the physical communications and consequent higher mobility of people human behaviour is influenced by a complex of factors. The culture and social changes occur at a much faster pace. But there are areas of human habitation where the sun of change does not shine as brightly as everywhere else. Rather it shines dimly. This seems to have been the fate of the Bharias of Patalkot Valley, a little known community of Chhindwara District in the State of Madhya Pradesh. This has been brought out clearly, vividly in a fascinating study by Dr. Kurup in the continuity and Change in a Little Community.
The author who has had the opportunity of closely observing and scrutinizing that little known community, hidden in a valley, for a long time has posed a few questions: What exactly happens to a little community insulated by physical and other barriers? Can the great tradition permeate its own ethos into its genius: If so, can this be gauged? And has seriously and sincerely sought answers in his present study. For this he has used a new methodology, and the results have been quite encouraging and have offered pointers in definite directions. So this study is hoped to kindle interest in further refinement of the concepts and techniques.
The study having covered various spheres of the tribal life of the Bharias ?material, social, economic, ritual, and religious?should be of great interest to academics, researchers, social scientists, social economists and tribal welfare planners.