The Paliyan Tribe a Case Study in Cultural Transition

Abstract

This ethnographic study examines the profound cultural and socio-economic transformation of the Paliyan tribe in Tamil Nadu, India. Historically a hunter-gatherer community, the Paliyans have increasingly transitioned to modern agricultural labor, driven by economic pressures and environmental changes. While previous studies have documented their traditional way of life and
the initial stages of contact with modern society, there is a research gap in understanding the long term, multi-faceted consequences of their transition to a wage-based agricultural economy. The objective of this ethnographic study is to analyze the profound shifts in the Paliyans’ livelihood, social structure, identity, and traditional knowledge systems as they adapt to a modern lifestyle. We employed a qualitative methodology, conducting in-depth interviews and participant observation to explore their lived experiences and perspectives.The key findings reveal a significant erosion of their unique cultural heritage, including traditional skills, kinship systems, and ecological knowledge. The transition to agricultural labor has created new social hierarchies and economic dependencies, fundamentally altering their social fabric. These changes are accelerating the loss of their distinct identity and traditional practices. The implications of this study are critical for culturally sensitive development policies. It underscores the urgent need for interventions that support the Paliyans’ economic well-being without further compromising their cultural identity and autonomy, providing a valuable case study for indigenous communities navigating modernization
globally.