PRESERVING THE AFRICAN-INDIAN LEGACY: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE SIDDI TRIBE’S CULTURAL PRACTICES, TRADITIONS, AND IDENTITY FORMATION IN INDIA

Abstract [English]

India is home to diverse tribal communities, each with unique cultural practices and traditions. The Siddi tribe, an African-Indian community, has preserved its distinct heritage while integrating into mainstream Indian society. The Siddis, believed to have arrived in India during the colonial period, were brought as slaves and later settled in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, particularly in Haliyal, Yellapur, Sirsi, Mundagoda, and Karwar. Despite centuries of displacement, they have maintained a nomadic lifestyle, relying on forest resources and areca nut cultivation. Their rich cultural heritage, which includes Goma dance, Ngoma drumming, spiritual rituals, and oral traditions, showcases a unique blend of African and Indian influences. This research examines the cultural existence of the Siddi tribe, specifically focusing on those residing in Yellapur and Ankola taluks of Uttara Kannada. The study delves into their linguistic patterns, social structures, art forms, and belief systems, highlighting how they negotiate identity and belonging in a geographically distant land from their ancestral roots. While their lifestyle mirrors traditional African villages, their adaptation to Indian social and economic frameworks is a testament to their resilience. The Siddi tribe, despite their rich cultural heritage and centuries-old presence in India, remains an unseen and overlooked community, their stories hidden in the margins of history and mainstream discourse. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has initiated various schemes for tribal welfare, economic development, and cultural preservation, yet the Siddis remain primarily marginalized. By documenting their cultural practices, traditions, and community structures, this study aims to shed light on their struggles, resilience, and evolving identity in modern India. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for policy interventions, educational opportunities, and cultural documentation to prevent the erosion of their unique heritage. This research contributes to the broader discourse on diaspora, cultural preservation, and tribal identity formation, offering insights into how indigenous communities sustain their traditions despite historical adversities. By exploring the Siddis' journey from slavery to citizenship, the study underscores the significance of cultural heritage as a means of resistance, survival, and self-definition in the face of globalization and socio-political challenges.