Food Consumption Pattern of the Mahadev Koli Tribe of Tribal Sub Plan Area of Pune District of Maharashtra

Abstract

Food is more than just a biological necessity; it is deeply interwoven with cultural, social, and economic structures. This study explores the food consumption patterns of the Mahadev Koli tribe in the tribal sub-plan area of Pune district, Maharashtra, focusing on the interplay between dietary practices, cultural identity, and environmental influences. Using an ethnographic approach, the research examines traditional food choices, meal patterns, foraging and agricultural practices, and the impact of modernization on dietary habits. The study employs qualitative methods, including participant observation, and Focused group discussions. It documents staple foods, seasonal variations, food taboos, and ritualistic aspects of consumption. The findings highlight how local ecology, subsistence strategies, and socio-economic factors shape food choices, with a strong reliance on forest produce, millets, and locally available resources. Additionally, the study explores the nutritional implications of these dietary habits and the effects of external influences such as market integration and government food schemes. Traditional food systems contribute to nutritional security and cultural preservation among the Mahadev Koli. The study also examines challenges such as food insecurity, dietary shifts, and the erosion of indigenous knowledge. It contributes to the broader discourse on tribal nutrition, sustainability, and policy implications for community health and food sovereignty. Understanding the Mahadev Koli tribe’s food habits offers valuable perspectives on indigenous dietary resilience and the evolving dynamics of food culture in tribal communities.

Keywords: Food consumption, Mahadev Koli, tribal nutrition, dietary habits, food culture.