Mahali Culture and Social Change in West Bengal

Abstract

Ethnographic study and analysis in Anthropology is the very base of anthropological researches in India and abroad. Mahali or Mahli is an artisan community involved in traditional bamboo craft. The present paper is outcome of ethnographic study and situational analysis of the Mahali tribe of West Bengal. An attempt has been made to present the indigenous Mahali Culture along with the socio-cultural changes in the changing modern scenario. Mahali people are master craftsmen and produce fine basketry along with doing labor work. Lots of changes are coming in the Mahali society and culture due to the impact of migration, acculturation and modernization. Their living standard is little bit uplifted by various tribal developmental programs and facilities provided in the Mahali areas, but still they are living in low socio-economic condition.