Socio economic status of the tribals of Purulia district in the post colonial period

India is home to 10.2 crore tribal people who are also known as Adivasi and the constitution of India has designated “tribes” as Scheduled Tribes (Art 366). These adivasi people basically inhabit forest and hilly areas. Tribals are considered to be the most backward and deprived section of the Indian society. Socio-economic development of these tribal people has been neglected from British period to the present age of globalization. These aboriginals have a unique life style of their own, are untouched by the modernity. In the era of development and globalization they still face the problems of illiteracy, vicious poverty, ill health, poor livelihood and low income which force them to live in primitive conditions. Purulia is one of the most backward tribal district in the country. Tribals of this district have distinct age old social system, cultural tradition, customs, values, life style and languages. But in terms of economic condition of these people, they can be considered to be the poorest of the poor in the country. Tribals of this district use the forest as a means of their sustenance. The present study aims to focus on the socio-economic status and problems faced by this community to sustain their livelihood.