Vanishing Voices : The Struggle And Survival of India’s Indigenous Tribes Based on Nidhi Dugar’s ‘White as Rice and Milk’ (2020)

Abstract

India is a country with a rich and diverse cultural landscape. This rich cultural tapestry has been significantly influenced by various indigenous tribes, each with distinct traditions, languages and ways of life, residing predominantly in different geographical zones. These tribal communities coexist harmoniously with nature and utilize the natural resources available in their surroundings. Although they contribute richly to the cultural heritage and ecological wisdom of the country, they remain socio-politically and economically marginalized. This paper explores the themes of identity, survival, and resilience as depicted in Nidhi Dugar Kundalia’s White as Milk and Rice: Stories of India’s Isolated Tribes (2020), which examines six indigenous tribes— Halakkis, Kanjars, Kurumbas, Marias, Khasis, and Konyaks. Through ethnographic narratives, the book highlights how these communities confront marginalization and rapid socio-political changes. This study further introduces unexplored dimensions such as digital exclusion, youth migration, and climate change’s role in eroding indigenous culture.