Anthropology of Islam and Muslim Societies in India is a neglected area of study despite the fact that the Muslim population in South Asia constitutes around forty per cent of the total Muslim population of the world. One of the reasons why Islam and Muslims have been depicted the world over in a stereotyped manner and largely in negative image has been the lack of ‘field studies’ in various social science disciplines. The depiction of Islam and Muslims in a largely monolithic framework is mainly based on the ‘book view’ of Muslims or textual interpretations. It is only during the last 3-4 decades that some sociologists and anthropologists have done some fieldwork among the Muslim communities in different parts of the world. That is how such terms as ‘Living Islam’, ‘Lived Islam’, ‘Folk Islam’, ‘Popular Islam’, ‘People’s Islam’, and ‘Islam in Practice’ have come into being.

The present paper is based on field research through the ethnographic mode and it takes a close view of some aspects of change coming into the ‘Lived Islam’ in the Awadh region of North India but these changes may be observed in different parts of South Asia.

Keywords: Anthropology of Islam, South Asia, Textual Islam, Wahabism

This paper explores the amalgamation of visual and museum anthropological methods, as a means of enhancing educational experiences during student-guide museum visits. It sets out a methodology to convert the traditional school visit into a multisensory experience that helps students understand more about cultures and related knowledge production and consumption. The paper outlines several objectives for museum trips. Learners should write their stories based on existing real-life objects, imbibe meanings through kinaesthetic empathy as well as utilise museums’ collections as learning aids. Furthermore, it underscores the need for students to write self-reflecting papers to criticise and improve their own experiences in a museum. The theoretical starting point of this study is visual anthropology which explains human creativity using both traditional and digital approaches. It has also incorporated digital ethnography into its purview, bringing out the sensory basis behind it while involving people in the research process. Moreover, it highlights how these institutions have moved from redefining themselves against colonial heritage to shaping multivocality within them across time and space through dialogical exhibits. Therefore, the paper supports participatory learning models that both, the students and teachers might take advantage of during museum visits.

Through the incorporation of visual anthropology techniques, students are required to raise critical questions about the exhibits promoting thinking and openness towards other cultures. The material underscores the significance of varied forms of stimuli in learning and how the physical environment affects it. Museum visits thus become a moment of intellectual resilience where critical thinking is encouraged and new outlooks are developed. It therefore posits that merging visual anthropology methodologies with museum practice can disrupt traditional educational pathways leading to an awakened sense of awareness and a lifetime rendezvous with learning.

Keywords: Visual Anthropology, Multisensory Learning, Museum Education, Participatory Learning

The youth dormitory is a community living space for the socialisation of adolescent boys and girls in socio-cultural, religious, political, art and craft aspects in many tribal societies. It is variously known as Bukumatala in the Trobriand Islands, Kwod among the tribes of Torres Strait Islands, and Calpule in Guatemala at the global level. In India, it is known as Ghotul among the Gonds, Dhumkuria among the Oraons, Dhangarbasa among the Bhuyans, Cavati among the Muthuvar, Moshup among the Adis and Morung among the Nagas. With the acculturation process, the advancement of Christianity and intensifying globalisation, this institutional mechanism has become endangered among the majority of the tribal communities. Currently, youth dormitories are maintained symbolically to continue the age-old tradition. Under these circumstances, the present study aims to study the current status of the traditional dormitory system among the Zeme of the Senapati district of Manipur state in the northeastern part of India. Auto-ethnography was resorted to collect empirical data, and anthropological methods such as observation, questionnaire, structured interviews and focus group discussion were used. For the present study, descriptive research design is thought of as appropriate to analyse the research findings from an ethnographic point of view. It attempts to uncover the traditional method of arranging youth dormitory, initiation rites, membership, and its role in Zeme society. The study concluded that modernity has caused the endangerment of community living space in the present context.

Keywords: Zeme, Rehangki, Youth Dormitory, Socialisation, Informal Education, Rites and Rituals

The nutritional status of children under five years of age is a critical concern for health and development, predominantly within particularly vulnerable tribal populations. The Bonda tribe is one such tribe where undernutrition among children under five years of age has not been investigated effectively in the Malkangiri district of Odisha. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of nutritional status among children under five years of age in the Bonda tribe, Khairput block, Malkangiri district. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 28 villages within the Khairput block of Malkangiri district (Odisha), from December 2021 to July 2022. A sample of 464 children (Boys=241, Girls=223) aged 0-5 years were randomly selected from 12 Anganwadi centers, (including 416 households) for the present study. The WHO (2006) standard classification was used to calculate levels of (underweight, stunting, and wasting) for reference.

The study unveils the average height and weight among boys and girls. In the Bonda tribe, girls are taller than boys, and boys are heavier than girls. Regarding nutritional status, the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting among children under five years (64.5%, 62.5%, and 33.2%, respectively) has been noticed. A greater prevalence of undernutrition was found among boys compared to girls. Statistically significant underweight was identified among girls (p<0.05), while no significant association was found among boys. The nutritional status of children under five of the Bonda tribe, in Malkangiri district, Odisha, is a critical situation. Therefore, this study emphasises the urgent need for targeted interventions to report the nutritional issues faced by the Bonda tribe and other marginalised groups.

Keywords: The Bonda, Malkangiri, nutritional status, under five, Odisha.

Human-animal conflicts have emerged as one of the most contentious problems in the hills of the Wayanad district, Kerala. Elephant watchers were recruited from native tribal communities who have exhaustive knowledge about the landscape, forests and animal behaviours; they keep wild animals at a distance and quickly address the human-animal conflict issues. The current research paper briefly analyses elephant watchers’ lives and prospects and concisely discusses a case study on the subject. The lives and livelihoods of communities relying on forests and forest fringes are severely disturbed by the ever-increasing Human-Animal Conflicts. Elephant watchers protect humans and their belongings in forest fringe villages throughout the day and even at night. They undertake dangerous jobs involving a high level of risk, but they remain a group of poorly paid, under-equipped, untrained and often demotivated workers. The forest department, the three-tier Panchayati Raj systems and the district administrations must collaborate to resolve these concerns of elephant watchers. Despite knowing the risks, most elephant watchers have a passion for wildlife and its conservation.

Keywords: Human-animal conflicts, Elephant-watchers, Forest fringe villages, Thirunelli, Agrarian society.

Across cultures, there are several rituals that are followed by individuals and communities that have an impact on their thinking and behaviour. Beliefs are often intertwined with rituals and play an important role in the sustenance of a certain ritual. The present study focuses on one such ritual, ‘Prasad Pakhali’ that is commonly practised in the temples of Goa and the Konkan belt. ‘Prasad Pakhali’ can be explained as a process through which devotees seek advice and guidance from God/ Goddesses in Goa (Newman, 2001). The ‘Pakhali’ (Petal) refers to the flowers or leaves that are used for communication purposes. The paper employs exploratory design as no studies have been carried out on this practice, though a few brief articles are available. General information about ‘Prasad Pakhli’ was collected from Rohit Phalgaonkar, Temple Historian, Panaji, Goa using a semi-structured interview schedule. Certain articles were also referred, to obtain an idea about ‘Prasad Pakhli’. With the help of the observation method, the researcher observed the process of ‘Prasad Pakhli’ at Shree Mahaganapati temple, Khandola, Marcel, Goa. The interview method (semi-structured interview) was also used to collect information about ‘Prasad Pakhli’ from Pramod Vishnu Bhat, Priest, Shree Mahaganapati Temple, Khandola, Goa. The researcher also interacted with some of the devotees who believe in and seek ‘Prasad Pakhali’ regularly.

Keywords: ‘Prasad Pakhli’

Each culture has its understanding of health and the aetiology of diseases and illnesses, and to an extent, it offers an explanation for the prevailing health practices and behaviours. In tribal societies, illnesses and health practices have meanings rooted in the socio-cultural-ecological structure. The critical role that these culturally constructed illnesses and practices play in influencing people’s health care-seeking behaviours has been part of ethnomedicine and medical anthropology discourses. The paper reflects on this critical role by examining the illnesses, their aetiology and health-seeking behaviour among Gonds, a tribal community found in India. The paper draws data from extended fieldwork conducted for an ethnographic study among Gonds of Chhattisgarh in India. Since the study was ethnographic in nature, participant observations and informal in-depth interviews were used as the key methods to collect the data. Informal in-depth interviews were conducted with the community members, ethnomedicinal practitioners, magico-religious experts, quacks, health functionaries and Panchayat members. Our findings suggest that the health culture of Gonds is dynamic, wherein multiple health systems are present, accepted, and utilised to explain illnesses ranging from naturalistic to personalistic aetiology. The practice of medical pluralism is evident in their culture, which consists of therapeutic measures that are based on their indigenous knowledge of different herbs and shrubs (constituting a popular system); the expertise of ethnomedicinal, magico-healer practitioners, quacks formal healthcare providers and institutions (constituting a professional system). Each system has its own space to practice and ways to establish acceptance among Gonds. There is a constant inter-movement of health seekers across these health systems, which the health service providers of the folk system sometimes facilitate. There is a close relationship between illness aetiology and healthcare-seeking behaviour among tribal communities; Gonds are no exception. The simultaneous presence and practice of ‘encultured’ and ‘acculturated’ healthcare systems reflect the dynamic nature of their health culture. However, the long-term ramifications of acculturation of the healthcare system can be concerning. Our programmes and strategies must be sensitive and respectful to the practices and behaviours of the tribal population and evolve solutions based on their cultural realities.

Keywords: ethnomedicine, ethnography, health behaviours, tribal population, India

The purpose of this research was to study the contents of the palm-leaf manuscripts containing medicine, in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research methodology was used for this research. A sample of 68 indigenous medicine manuscripts in the National Museum of Sri Lanka was selected for this study. The study used a qualitative methodology based on secondary sources (palm-leaf manuscripts), and content analysis was used in the context of qualitative data analysis. The results show that, in the past, indigenous knowledge was largely contained in the manuscripts. It is suggested to physically care for and preserve these indigenous knowledge-possessed manuscripts, and it is also suggested to provide digital copies to the researchers who come for palm-leaf manuscript research so that the damage caused by the use of the original manuscripts could be minimised. This research has identified a large number of herbs used in indigenous medicine, and action should be taken to preserve those herbs. Therefore, it is proposed to plan and implement a comprehensive program at the national level for the preservation and protection of local knowledge, theoretically as well as practically.

Keywords: Indigenous medicine, Indigenous knowledge, Museum Library, Palm-leaf Manuscripts, Sri Lanka

This photo essay delves into the performative aspect of tourist photography and its role in constructing social relations. Drawing upon personal reflections and scholarly literature, the essay explores how tourist photographers actively frame their experiences and examines the social dynamics that emerge from these performances. The study considers tourist photography not merely as an act of documentation but as a form of cultural production, wherein tourists become active participants in shaping visual narratives and identities. Through a series of photographs captured across various regions of India, the essay examines the performative nature of tourist photography, highlighting how individuals engage with cameras to portray desired images and identities. It also explores the concept of the “family gaze” within the context of tourist photography, observing how families construct and portray intimate moments for the camera. Ultimately, the essay contends that tourist photography not only perpetuates cultural practices but also fosters unique forms of social connection among individuals sharing transient moments. However, it also raises concerns about the potential overshadowing of human connection by the omnipresence of the camera, prompting reflection on the broader implications of tourist photography in shaping perceptions of reality.

Keywords: Family Gaze, Performative Anthropology, Social Reproduction, Tourist Photography, Visual Ethnography

Marriage as an institution plays a very significant role in the lives of urban youth. Family greatly influences youth and their thought process in making marriage-related decisions, and youth also use family at their own disposal. Individuals marry in the name of family for physical, emotional, and financial support systems at the cost of their individuality and freedom and this loss accrues more to females. Females remain more fearful and less excited than males about their married life. Overall, urban youth don’t associate marriage with happiness as much as with social support, security, and safety.

Keywords: Caste, class, education, employment, excitements, family, fears, gains, losses, marriage.

This paper explores the historical development and contemporary significance of anthropology, tracing its origin back to the 19th century. It also discusses the beginning and integration of Public Anthropology into the core discipline. The paper explains how anthropology has utilised more scientific and technological methods as Molecular Anthropology and Artificial Intelligence to delve deeper into our understanding of societies and cultures. Public Anthropology, as introduced by Robert Borofsky, is regarded as a significant sub-domain of anthropology, enhancing anthropological insights, and promoting social justice, equality and human rights by enlisting the participation of the public.

The paper further investigates the works of renowned anthropologists like Franz Boas, Margaret Mead and Ruth Benedict, who are prominent contributors to public discussions concerning cultural diversity and human behaviour. It also discusses the present-day challenges that anthropology faces in upholding public visibility, often blurred by the use of obscure vocabulary and complex scholarly style. Further, the division between Public Anthropology and Applied Anthropology has been expanded, with the former laying more emphasis on the use of media and social platforms to raise public debate and awareness.

Indian anthropologists like Nirmal Kumar Bose and Prabodh Kumar Bhowmick have been appreciated for their continuous commitment and scholarly efforts to empower and improve the social conditions of marginalised groups. The paper beckons anthropologists to carefully handle their academic pursuits with their social responsibilities maintaining the ethical requirements and simultaneously steering societal change. It talks about the fluidity of disciplinary boundaries and the use of digital platforms to circulate knowledge, thereby speeding up or rather catalysing social and political transformation.

To conclude, the paper stresses the necessity for anthropologists to engage in ethical and responsible public discourses, using their subject matter expertise to deal with glaring and prominent societal issues and simultaneously contribute to finding solutions to global problems. Public Anthropology is regarded as a key factor in making anthropology relevant and effective in present-day society.

India faces a significant burden of HIV/AIDS, with a substantial number of new infections reported annually. To combat this epidemic, the implementation of new and effective preventive strategies is critical. PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis), a biomedical intervention involving the use of antiretroviral medication to prevent HIV transmission in high-risk individuals, has emerged as a promising tool in the global fight against the spread of the virus. This review explores the implementation and impact of PrEP in India’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, focusing on key populations such as men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, female sex workers, and people who inject drugs. A comprehensive review of acceptability among key populations, highlighting concerns, motivations, and barriers is presented. The paper underscores the importance of targeted awareness campaigns, anti-stigma initiatives, and persistent advocacy for comprehensive sexual health education to maximise PrEP’s potential in India’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: HIV, FSW (Female Sex Workers), India, MSM (Men who have sex with Men), PrEP, Transgender