SOCIO-RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS OF TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN TELANGANA: TRADITION, CULTURAL IDENTITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56815/IRJAHS.v(2026)i2.11-19

Abstract

The tribal communities of Telangana possess distinctive social, cultural and religious traditions that have developed through a long and complex interaction between community life, ecological surroundings, customary institutions and spiritual beliefs. Their socio-religious life cannot be understood merely through conventional categories of religion, caste or social organization because tribal institutions are closely connected with kinship, clan organization, natural resources, festivals, marriage, family relations and customary forms of social control. Communities such as the Lambada, Gond, Koya, Chenchu and other tribal groups have historically maintained distinctive patterns of social organization and cultural expression. At the same time, education, settlement, occupational transformation, contact with neighbouring communities, government intervention, Christianity, Hindu religious influences and modernization have produced significant changes in traditional practices. This article examines the socio-religious conditions of tribal communities in Telangana by focusing on social structure, traditional political organization, religious beliefs, festivals, housing, dress, ornaments, food habits, marriage, family, divorce, widow remarriage, life-cycle rituals and health conditions. Particular attention is given to the changing position of traditional customs and institutions. The study argues that tribal society in Telangana should not be viewed as static or isolated. Rather, it represents a dynamic cultural system in which traditional practices continue to survive, adapt and sometimes decline under the influence of wider social and economic transformations.