Continuity and Change among the Koras of Bindukata

Abstract

The Kora is a small tribal group who are mostly found in eastern part of India. Like many other ethnic groups, the Kora had their own distinct culture, customs, rituals and religion. However, in comparison to other major tribal groups in West Bengal, the Kora as a group to date have recevied relatively little research attention. In this article, we reappraise our experience and observation on the social-cultural life of the Kora people of Paschim Medinipur district, which we collected as part of anthropology undergraduate fieldwork in the year 2002. Through an ethnographic re-analysis method, we try to provide a fair glimpse regarding the process where the Kora, as group, is adopting certain Hindu traits. We also look to find the probable reasons that hold the key to understanding the source of continuity and change in Kora communities at large.