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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Exploring Indigenous Epistemologies: Voices, Challenges and enriching Indigenous Knowledge System of the Kamar Tribe, Chhattisgarh state, India

presenters

    BHUMIKA RAJ SONWANE

    Nationality: INDIA

    Residence: INDIA

    PANDIT RAVISHANKAR SHUKLA UNIVERSITY, RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

    ASHOK PRADHAN

    Nationality: INDIA

    Residence: INDIA

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

Keywords:

Indigenous epistemologies, Indigenous knowledge system, Traditional ecological knowledge, Oral tradition

Abstract:

Kamar is one among the five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Chhattisgarh State, India. They have holistic worldviews of various elements that consider the environment, human societies, spirituality, and other aspects as interconnected with ecology, plants, animals, spirits and ancestors. This contrasts with more compartmentalized and hierarchical views often found in Western thought. They have developed this intricate knowledge system over generations through oral tradition. This offers unique perspectives on the world that can greatly enrich anthropological discourse and insights into traditional knowledge systems, including traditional ecological knowledge, healing practices, spiritual and cosmological beliefs, technological innovations, social organizations and governance. Each of these aspects contributes to the richness and resilience of the traditional knowledge system. This challenges Anthropologists to incorporate diverse perspectives and co-create knowledge with communities rather than imposing external frameworks. It often demonstrates resilience and adaptive strategies in the face of environmental, social, and political challenges. This challenges Anthropologists to study and learn from their strategies for sustainability, resilience, and community well-being. This paper mainly highlights the epistemologies of the Kamar tribe through their indigenous knowledge system and how it will provide alternative ways for people from other communities to know and relate to the world beyond the boundaries of Western paradigms. This includes challenging dominant narratives that support initiatives that empower them to preserve, revitalize and share their knowledge.