Migration and the Reshaping of Tribal Identities in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Tribal communities in India are undergoing profound transitions in the context of migration and urbanisation, raising critical questions about cultural identity, continuity, and adaptation. This paper examines how migration reshapes the identities of tribal groups in Tamil Nadu, with particular attention to the socio-cultural transformations that occur when communities move from traditional habitats to urban and semi-urban environments. The study is guided by three objectives: to explore the patterns and drivers of tribal migration, to analyse the impact of urbanisation on tribal cultural practices, and to assess the strategies of adaptation and resilience employed by migrant communities. Methodologically, the research employs an ethnographic approach, combining participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with secondary data from census reports and government documents. Fieldwork was conducted among Irula and Kani communities, tracing their experiences of displacement, wage labour, and cultural negotiation in both rural and urban contexts. The findings reveal that while migration opens pathways for education, employment, and socio- economic mobility, it simultaneously challenges the continuity of tribal traditions, languages, and social structures. Urbanisation accelerates processes of cultural hybridisation, until now communities also demonstrate resilience through selective preservation of rituals, relationship ties, and collective identity. These dynamics highlight the dual processes of assimilation and resistance, underscoring the fluid and contested nature of tribal identity in contemporary Tamil Nadu. The study contributes to broader debates on tribes in transition, offering insights for policy frameworks aimed at safeguarding cultural diversity while promoting inclusive development.