Cultural Displacement and Identity Loss: A Study of the Koli Mahadev Tribe in Pune District

Abstract (English)

Displacement is often the consequence of development models that prioritize specific technical and economic approaches, without seriously considering alternatives that may incur lower social and environmental costs (WCD, 2000).
This paper focuses on the documentation and analysis of displacement and its cultural impact on tribal communities in Pune District, with a specific focus on the Koli Mahadev tribe in Ambegaon Tehsil. The study employs purposive sampling, selected respondents based on known characteristics relevant to the research. Qualitative data and a cross-sectional study design were utilized and theoretically structured for content analysis, aiming to assess the effects of displacement and the rehabilitation policies implemented by government authorities.
In the case of the Dimbhe Dam project, it was found that displaced individuals were relocated to various resettlement areas assigned by the government. Among those who were resettled far from their original habitat, significant cultural losses were observed, life-cycle events such as birth, marriage, and death rituals; losing of religious practices, including the worship of traditional deities and celebration of native festivals; and loss of material culture. Traditional cultural practices were found to be preserved and actively maintained even among those resettled within the same community or habitat.
The study concludes that government displacement policies often overlook the preservation of tribal identity and cultural heritage, enforcing relocation without adequate consideration of these critical aspects. The findings aim to inform policymakers, emphasizing the need to incorporate cultural and identity related parameters in resettlement planning for tribal populations.