North Bengal Anthropologist

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://ir.nbu.ac.in/handle/123456789/5276

The special focus of the department of anthropology is to examine and analyze the regional and local issues of greater anthropological significance. The department has an innovative plan to develop interdisciplinary interaction for strengthening its teaching and research programmes. Participatory approach and Lab to Land method has been adopted to develop the teaching and research activities of the department. The thrust areas of the department are human nutrition, forensic anthropology, ethnomedicine, medical anthropology, developmental anthropology and tribal development.

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Open Access
The Asur: A Study in North Bengal Areas
(University of North Bengal, 2024) Das, Sutapa; Biswas, Samar Kumar
Asur, primarily an ethnographic stock is said to be the descendant of the Vedic Asura. Evidence proves that the Vedic struggle drove the Asur from the Indus Valley. From the Indus Valley, the Asur moved towards the northwest and settled down at Chota Nagpur. They started residing Gumla, Latehar, Lohardaga, Ranchi and Palamau districts of Jharkhand. The Asur of the Indus Valley Civilisation were iron smelters and many ancient metal relics have been discovered from various Asur sites in Ranchi district. The implementation of the Forest Conservation Policy by the Government and the introduction of the latest metallurgy techniques have given death blows to the industry of iron smelting by the primitive Asur. They have shifted towards cultivation, hunting, collection of forest products, rearing of animals etc. For the purpose of establishing of tea estate in North Bengal, the East India Company brought the Asur people with other tribes to different areas of Alipurduar, Coochbehar and Jalpaiguri districts. Since then, they had to change their livelihood and become tea garden labourers. This nomadic group was much exploited during the colonial period and is still suffering in the post-colonial period. The Asur, who are facing the brunt of government neglect, are forced to live a life of poverty, illiteracy and backwardness. The Asur society in India is designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in Bihar, but they are not granted the same status in West Bengal, putting their survival at risk. The study found that they are still lagging behind other tribal communities in respect of education, health and economy. Initiatives must be taken to preserve the ethnic culture of this legendary tribe at the administrative level as well as at the research level.
Open Access
A Comprehensive Illustration of Water Pollution Being a Pitfall of Human Activities
(University of North Bengal, 2024) Biswas, Samar Kumar; Dutta, Tanushree
Water is one of the prime utilized environmental resources that is currently under threat for its quality and continued existence. Pollution has a significant influence on this matter of concern. The existence of impurities in water that change its chemical and biological composition is referred to as water pollution i.e. a major threat to symbiosis between human beings and the environment. Due to its multipurpose use, the sources of water contamination must be varied. Thus, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent inclusive circumstances and responsible causes of water pollution, laboratory tests have been performed on water samples to identify any pollution. Additionally, three distinct sites on the bank of the Mahananda River in Siliguri City have been chosen and relevant information regarding the genesis of water pollution has been gathered. The current study investigates the many causes of water contamination with proper analytical descriptions in Siliguri City as well as people's perspectives on the sources from a social standpoint.
Open Access
Conflict, Tension and Violation of Human Rights in West Bengal, India with Special Reference to Lalgarh, West Medinipur
(University of North Bengal, 2016) Biswas, Samar Kumar
The Marxist-based social theory argues that individuals and groups (social classes) within society have differing amounts of material and non-material resources (the wealthy vs. the poor) and that the more powerful groups use their power in order to exploit the groups with less powerful groups. In this regard, extreme level of inequality in all forms and in all fields such as economy, politics, religion, education, social etc. exist in the traditional Indian society since long and because of these, continuous conflicts, unhappiness between powerless poor/downtrodden people and powerful elites are reported. The prime aim of this article is to know the recent-past conflicts, abductions, killings, torturing, violation of basic human rights etc. that took place in West Bengal; and its effects on the development of local the people; and the reasons and interest behind those conflicts.
Open Access
Effect of Family Environment on Children’s Well-Being: A Case Study
(University of North Bengal, 2016) Gan, Biswanath; Biswas, Samar Kumar
Family environment is an important issue which influences on child’s well-being including social, emotional or psychological part. Family plays an important role in educatingsocializing children. It is said that family is a primary institution where a child learns a lot by observing and teaching, and know what is wrong or right, should or should not. Our child is a vulnerable asset and future wealth of society. Thus, it is a duty of every parent to protect their children against all forms of exploitation and nourish them properly to make a healthy society. But there are so many children in our country are being exploited by their poor family environment and in this context the present studied families are a burning example. The focus of this paper is on family environment that influences the social, emotional or psychological well-being of children in the stone crushing society of Balasan River Basin, Darjeeling district, West Bengal.
Open Access
Exotic Food and Beverages of the Limbus in the Himalayas and Sub-Himalayan Region
(University of North Bengal, 2024) Biswas, Samar Kumar; Sharma, Gaurav
The diverse and intriguing world of exotic food and beverages within the Limbu community, an indigenous group, of the Himalayan and Sub-Himalayan regions boast a rich culinary heritage deeply entwined with their cultural roots and local ecosystems. From fermented soybean delicacies like Kinema to various traditional dishes, the article delves into the unique flavours and preparation methods that define Limbu cuisine. Additionally, traditional beverages like Tongba and Jaar add a distinctive touch to the exploration of this culinary landscape. The discussion extends to the broader context of preserving and celebrating indigenous food traditions in the face of modern influences. Through this exploration, readers gain insights into the exotic gastronomic treasures of the Limbu people, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and appreciation in the realm of diverse global cuisines.
Open Access
Harmony in History: Unveiling the History of Women Tea Plantations Workers Through Jhumur Songs
(University of North Bengal, 2024) Bhowmik, Nandini; Biswas, Samar Kumar
This paper explores the cultural significance of jhumur songs within the context of colonial Assam's tea plantation communities. Jhumur, originating from the Sadanic language, serves as a vital narrative tool reflecting the experiences and struggles of tea plantation workers, particularly women. Through an analysis of jhumur songs and historical sources, the paper reveals the deceptive strategies employed by the British government and plantation owners to recruit and exploit labourers. Specific examples of jhumur songs are examined to illustrate themes of migration, exploitation and cultural resistance. The paper introduces two theoretical frameworks— the "Migration-Exploitation-Strategies Nexus" and the "Model of Colonial Hegemony and Cultural Resistance" to analyse the socio-cultural dynamics at play. Ultimately, this study highlights the enduring resilience and cultural identity embedded within colonial Assam's tea plantation communities as evidenced by the poignant narratives preserved in jhumur song.
Open Access
Issues of Child Rights: A Case Study
(University of North Bengal, 2015) Biswas, Samar Kumar; Gan, Biswanath
Children are the building blocks of a nation. If they are provided the appropriate kind of development, they contribute to the nation’s growth in a big way, when they grow old. However, today the violation of child rights is widely rampant and it is a crucial issues overall the world. They are child, therefore, they cannot protest against it. They are not able to demand, they have no capacity to form a union, and probably incapable of seeking, and therefore public opinion about the rights of the child is not supposed to be claimed by the child itself. It is necessary to be done by those who are responsible for taking care of the child. The children have no right to demand in the sense they have not the capacity to demand but the child has accepted rights as given in the convention. In this context, the present study has been done on the child workers in Balasan River Basin of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India, where most of the people are engaged in stone based economy and earned very little, which is not sufficient for maintaining their daily livelihood. Most in cases, the parents of these children are unable to provide the necessary requirements to their children; and thus, from the very beginning, most of the children are bound to engage in this work to support their families. Due to this fact, most of the child workers are deprived of their basic rights like food, shelter, proper education, health; and leisure and recreation, intellectual development, growth, freedom and so on. There are so many factors responsible for it. In this concern, in the light of child rights violation- how the children are being exploited in the economic field; and how their education, health, and development as well are being affected have been discussed in this article.
Open Access
The Jarawa (Ang) in Transition: Theoretical Appraisal and Empirical Issues
(University of North Bengal, 2016) Ghosh, Amit Kumar; Biswas, Samar Kumar
Open Access
The Jarawa (Ang) Territory: Historical Manifestations and Contextual Situations in Andaman Islands
(University of North Bengal, 2015) Ghosh, Amit Kumar; Biswas, Samar Kumar
This manuscript is an attempt to analyse different manifestations of Jarawa (Ang) territory in terms of historical context and present situations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Jarawa (Ang) is one of the last remaining Negrito hunter-gatherer communities of Andaman and until recently they were living in complete isolation from so called civilized society. From different historical documents it is also evident that compared to the Great Andamanese tribe, the Jarawa (Ang) is the later immigrants at the Great Andaman Island and they were living in a continuous conflict and clash during pre- British colonization period also. Except few sporadic contact events, Jarawa (Ang) never came into a friendly relationship with the outsiders during about 150 years of British colonization and 50 years of post-independence period. Due to different historical specific and contextual specific reasons, the Jarawa (Ang) territory had never been a fixed geographical area. It was in continuous change and shift from coastal to the interior forest areas and from south to north direction. This change of Jarawa (Ang) territory is not merely the physical shifting of particular community from one place to another. It has many sociocultural and demographic implications and consequences. After independence a demarcated area has been declared as reserve forest for pursuing their livelihood. The present day Jarawa (Ang) territory (1028 sq. km) is surrounded by different dominant neighboring settler communities from three sides at South, East and North. The notionally and geographically demarcated boundary of Jarawa (Ang) territory is merely an administrative category; it does not make any sense for a nomadic hunter-gatherer community like Jarawa (Ang). A reciprocal relationship has already been established between Jarawa (Ang) and neighboring villager. Across the boundary this reciprocity is the prime source of many changes in Jarawa (Ang) society and culture.
Open Access
A Study of Evolving Marriage Traditions among Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir
(University of North Bengal, 2024) Maroof, Shabir Mir; Biswas, Samar Kumar
This article explores the multifaceted nature of marriage traditions among Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir, examining their evolution from historical roots to contemporary dynamics. It explores the interplay of tradition, modernity, and identity in shaping matrimonial practices within this culturally rich and diverse region. Drawing on historical analysis and contemporary research, the study traces the historical trajectory of marriage customs in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the fusion of indigenous traditions with Islamic principles following the region's conversion to Islam in the 14th century. It highlights the adaptive nature of marriage traditions, which have evolved in response to socio-cultural dynamics, including urbanization, globalization, and conflict. Through qualitative research methods such as purposive selection, participant observation and thematic analysis, the study engages with recently married individuals from diverse backgrounds to capture nuanced insights into contemporary marriage practices. It examines shifting trends in mate selection, with a growing preference for love marriages driven by increased educational attainment and autonomy among individuals, as well as the influence of globalization on inter-regional and transnational marriages.