30, September 2026

Cultural Change and the Erosion of Traditional Practices among the Paniya Tribe

VOLUME-12; ISSUE-9; SEPT-2026

Author(s): Dr. Biju P. V.

Authors Affiliations:

Principal, (Ph. D in Political Science), Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Arts and Science College, Mathil,670307 Payyannur, Kannur Dt., Kerala, India.

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202609007     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202609007


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Abstract: Culture constitutes the foundation of human social life, shaping identity, values, belief systems, and patterns of behaviour. Anthropological perspectives emphasize that every human community possesses culture, expressed through its economic organization, social institutions, religious practices, artistic expressions, and systems of knowledge. The present study focuses on the Paniya tribe of Wayanad district, Kerala, examining their cultural quality of life in the context of historical marginalization, socio-economic vulnerability, and contemporary developmental interventions. The Paniya community, historically subjected to landlessness, bonded labour, and social exclusion, has maintained distinctive cultural traditions, including kinship systems, ritual practices, marriage customs, belief systems, and indigenous healing practices. However, processes such as linguistic assimilation, limited access to education, and inadequate implementation of constitutional and policy safeguards have affected the preservation and transmission of their cultural heritage. This study analyses changes in the cultural quality of life of the Paniya community before and after the introduction of Oorukoottam, a participatory governance and community-based development initiative. Using a stratified sampling technique, data were collected from 75 respondents across different age groups, genders, educational levels, and employment categories through a structured interview schedule focusing on cultural participation, traditional practices, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and community cohesion. The findings aim to assess whether Oorukoottam has contributed to strengthening cultural identity, social participation, and overall well-being within the community. The study provides a descriptive and quantitative understanding of cultural transformation among the Paniya tribe in Wayanad.

Paniya Tribe, Cultural Quality of Life, Oorukoottam, Tribal Culture, Community participation, Cultural Transformation

Dr. Biju P. V. (2026); Cultural Change and the Erosion of Traditional Practices among the Paniya Tribe, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-9, Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

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