Project

Overview of Village Communities

  • Common features across Indian villages:

    • Distinct social organization unit representing solidarity beyond kin, caste, and class.

    • Plays a vital role in socialization and social control.

    • Each village exhibits individual mores and corporate unity.

    • Integration of different castes through economic, social, and ritual patterns.

    • The village council, composed of elders and officials, undertakes important administrative functions.

Diversity in Indian Villages

  • Assumption of uniformity misleading; significant variations exist:

    • Internal structure and organization differ greatly.

    • Influencing factors include:

      • Size, population, and land area.

      • Ethnic composition and caste configuration.

      • Patterns of land ownership and the authority structure.

      • Levels of isolation from urban centers.

      • Local traditions and customs.

Case Study: Dewara Village

Location and Demographics

  • Dewara is located in Adilabad district, on the Deccan plateau.

  • Population: 1,090 individuals comprising three main groups:

    • Tribal group (Raj Gond, Kolam, Pardhän).

    • Telugu-speaking Hindus.

    • Marathi-speaking Hindus and Muslims (smaller populations).

Land and Economic Structure

  • Land chiefly owned by an absentee landlord.

  • Limited number of proprietary tenants; autonomy in village affairs.

  • Proximity to urban centers influences village culture but remains largely traditional.

Social Structure of Dewara

Caste Constitution

  • Four primary population groups:

    • Tribal Groups: Raj Gonds (most influential), Kolams (landless laborers), Pardhäns (minstrels).

    • Telugu-speaking Hindus:

      • Divided based on mother-tongue; maintain clear social boundaries.

    • Marathi-speaking Hindus and Muslims: Maintain distinct identities within the village.

Caste Hierarchy

  • Telugu-speaking caste details (80 families):

    • Highest positions: Mannewar (agriculturists) and Padmashali (weavers).

    • Madiga: Lowest caste (untouchable, farm-labourers).

  • Caste hierarchy illustrates economic and ritual dynamics among villagers.

Family Structure

  • Basic unit of organization is the family:

    • Mixed family types: joint families, elementary families, and polygamous families.

    • Linked Families: Extended families maintaining close social ties without sharing a single homestead.

Residential Organization

  • Village divided into five gudas (wards):

    • Each guda has a mixed population serving as micro-communities.

    • Gudas have councils of elders maintaining social order and conflict resolution.

Authority Structure

  • No resident landlord or influential officials present in Dewara.

  • Each family has a head, while every caste and guda has its headman:

    • Caste and guda councils regulate minor disputes and community governance.

    • Larger council composed of all headmen handles significant disputes.

    • Decisions of the panchayat are respected; informal social sanctions enforce compliance.

Inter-Community Relations

  • Social interactions among different caste groups manifest in economic cooperation:

    • Tribal groups retain unique rituals but participate in cooperative labor.

    • Engagement in each other’s festivals promotes social cohesion.

Conclusion

  • Dewara exemplifies complex social dynamics within a village, demonstrating strong internal governance and adaptation while still maintaining distinct identities among various caste and tribal groups.

Glossary of Select Terms

  • ADIBASI: Members of Indian tribes.

  • AHMADIYA: Sunni sect originated in India.

  • BIDI: Coarse Indian cigarette.

  • BIGHA: Land measurement unit in north India (approximately 2 acres).

  • CHARPOI: Low stringed cot common in northern India.