The Changing Environment of the Bhil Tribe in the Context of Tribal Literature and Culture

This study examines the changing socio-cultural landscape of the Bhil tribe in the context of
tribal literature and culture. The Bhils, one of the largest indigenous communities of India,
possess a rich cultural heritage reflected in their oral traditions, folk songs, myths, rituals,
festivals, and traditional lifestyle. However, rapid modernization, globalization, urbanization,
migration, formal education, and technological advancement have significantly influenced their
traditional social structure and cultural identity. Tribal literature serves as an important medium to
understand the transition from traditional values to contemporary realities. The study highlights
how Bhil literature and cultural expressions portray issues such as displacement, loss of
indigenous knowledge, economic challenges, environmental concerns, and identity crises. At the
same time, it also explores the resilience of the community in preserving its customs, language,
art, and collective memory amidst changing circumstances. The paper further discusses the role
of government policies, education, media, and social movements in shaping the present condition
of the Bhil tribe. Through a cultural and literary perspective, the study emphasizes the need to
preserve tribal heritage while ensuring inclusive development and social justice for indigenous
communities in modern India.