Cultural Transformation Among Tribal Youth Of Rural Tripura with Special Reference to Major ethnic communities of Tripura

Abstract

In the era of high mobility in terms of digital and physical both is it possible to preserve the ethnic identity, culture and Traditions of Indigenous people as it is getting dilated day by day? The research paper examines the cultural transformation among tribal youth in Rural Tripura which is a State situated in Northeast India. The research went through with special reference to the major ethnic communities of Tripura, there are three major communities in Tripura which are Debbarma (Tripuri), Jamatia and Reang (Bru). The findings reveal that the tribal youth still value their ethnic identity and traditions although present era is eventually influencing their lifestyle and it is also found that dialect attrition with other dominating language has changed original rhythm and pronunciation of tribal language, majority of the tribal youth prefer dialect attrition as they feel it makes the conversation easy and comfortable. The findings also reveal that western culture has influenced tribal dress patterns, festivals celebrations but most of the respondents prefer balanced lifestyle that combine both traditional and modern life. The study concludes that cultural transformation among tribal youth is still underway where the traditional culture has not disappeared but it is adapted along with the changing conditions. Result suggests the importance of preserving tribal identity, language and culture while coordinating with the growing present era among tribal youth of rural Tripura.