The Korku Tribe of Melghat Region in India and Their Current State: An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

This article is an attempt to document the perturbing socioeconomic and developmental issues of the Korku tribe, one of the most deprived tribal populations found in the state of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, India. The article is a product of extensive ethnographic fieldwork conducted in 10 villages of Melghat region of Maharashtra for a period of 1 year. A close examination was done on the life, lifestyles, and the socioeconomic and developmental indices of the community. The reflections from the fieldwork underline discouraging trends and show the ubiquitous social and development issues of the community. The major shifts in the socioeconomic and cultural life of the Korkus are detailed along with the state of basic amenities, livelihood, health, education, and political affairs. Further, child- and women-related issues are emphasized. The evidence from the study urges the need for focused attention on the developmental strategies for the community.