Routledge - Indigeneity and Occupational Change: The Tribes of Punjab

Explore the history and social reality of the tribes of Punjab, India, through this scholarly work from Routledge. This book examines the lives of nomadic communities who remain among the most marginalized populations in the state. By focusing on the presence of the absent, the text provides a deep look into how these groups navigate changing economic landscapes. Based on extensive fieldwork involving more than 750 respondents, the research tracks occupational shifts across different generations. It uses these findings to establish the historical presence of these tribes prior to the implementation of the Criminal Tribes Act in 1871. The book also analyzes archival reports to document the impact of colonial government actions on these communities. This volume provides a critical perspective on the continuity of challenges faced by these groups, noting how post-colonial government policies have impacted their lives. It is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in anthropology, sociology, and the history of indigenous populations in India.