Threads of Indigenous Tradition: Lambani Handicrafts and the Preservation of Tribal Identity

Abstract

India is a land of diversity that stands upright on the roots of unity. It might be the only nation on the globe where one can find the many cultures that people can imagine are available worldwide. The twenty-first century is witnessing many advancements in India, forcing the world to be argus-eyed at this nation of youngest people.  Yet, indigenous India stays close to nature and strives to create an identity globally.  Home to a large number of tribal people, known as Adivasis, India has the largest tribal population in the world, with 104 million people, constituting 8.61% of the total population of India. Engulfed within the vicinity of the term ‘Adivasis’ is another community of nomadic groups called ‘Lambanis’—this group of people who trace their origin to pastoral communities that migrated to India centuries ago has positioned themselves as a group of courageous, vibrant, and skilled in unique handicraft. Despite their USP in handicrafts, their cultural heritage is on the verge of extinction. As a case-based study on Kadaganchi thanda of Aland taluk and Tari thanda of Shahbad taluk in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, this research highlights the issues, concerns, and challenges in preserving Lambani handicrafts. By examining the cultural significance and economic impact of Lambani handicrafts, this study underscores their role in safeguarding tribal identity while fostering inclusive growth through Tribal-entrepreneurship and cultural sustainability.