Department of Anthropology, University of Lucknow
Online published on 15 January, 2020.
A constant phenomenon of "cultural fusion" attempts to value and promote all the different identities working together. Thinking outside our "cultural and linguistic boxes" not only fosters creativity but lead to new developments, new ways of working, new ways of communicating. In recent years anthropologists have tended to examine rural-urban acculturation patterns primarily from two points of view. Some, Anthropologist, have focused upon the changed forms of behavior that characterize peasant immigrants in urban centers, while others, have been concerned with the filtering down or diffusion of urban cultural forms to the village level. It is generally believed that Anthrotourism brings changes to the culture and way of life of people living in and around tourist destination (Acharya, 2001: 1). Tharus are one of the inhabitants in the most important tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh. Their livelihood will certainly be changed over time due to influxes and encounters related to the creation of a National Park that will bring about a high amount of nation and international tourism. Effects of the changes to have both positive and negative impacts on Tharu lives, the distinction could easily be evaluated by the level of economic and socio-cultural conditions. Exposure through tourism could be ethical as well as exploitative however challenge lies in preservation of unique identity and ethnic culture of tribal groups.
Acculturation, immigrants, anthrotourism, Tharu, Exposure, preservation
