A Geographical Analysis Of The Socio-Economic Challenges Faced By Tharu Women In Udham Singh Nagar District Uttarakhand

Abstract

The Tharu community, an indigenous group inhabiting the Terai region of Uttarakhand, particularly Udham Singh Nagar district, faces multiple socio-economic challenges, with women bearing a disproportionate burden. This study examines the lived realities of Tharu women in the context of land alienation, low literacy rates, limited employment opportunities, and restricted access to healthcare and institutional support. Despite their significant role in agriculture and household management, Tharu women remain marginalized due to patriarchal norms, cultural constraints, and inadequate representation in decision-making processes. Factors such as seasonal migration, lack of skill development, and vulnerability to exploitation in informal labour markets further deepen their socio-economic exclusion. In the paper based on primary data survey and secondary such as district census handbook, tribal department Udham Singh Nagar, and related papers. The data will be calculated with MS Excel and shown with tables and diagrams. The research highlights how these challenges intersect with issues of identity, poverty, and gender discrimination, thereby limiting the community’s development potential. The paper also points towards the need for targeted policies, capacity-building programs, and inclusive governance mechanisms to empower Tharu women and integrate them into mainstream socio-economic frameworks.