Traditional Governance in Practice: Findings from Two Tribal Districts of Odisha

Abstract

This paper reviews the functioning of the traditional governance system and institutional arrangement in the two districts of Odisha. It tries to shed light on the institutional arrangements and functioning of these institutions, the leadership pattern and interfacesof these institutions with the Panchayats in the districts. It reveals that these institutions form an important aspect of the village governance system despite the institutionalisation of Panchayats.Their role in influencing local level decision-making processes, resolving local disputes, protecting customs, traditions and cultural practices and fostering local economic development are observed in many cases. Further, despite the institutionalisation of the three-tier Panchayats, these institutions are still upholding their importance in the polity and economy of the tribal villages. However, the functioning of these institutions and decision-making process has gone through many changes in the context of the functioning of the Panchayats, though such changes have not affected entirely the importance of these institutions.