GONDS OF INDIA: A LEGACY OF CULTURE, A STRUGGLE FOR PROGRESS

Abstract

The Gond tribe is one of India's largest indigenous groups, with a rich history, culture, and traditions rooted in the belief system of Koyapunem, which emphasizes the spiritual connection between humans and nature. Predominantly residing in central Indian states, the Gonds have a deep heritage of agriculture, hunting, warfare, and art. Their distinctive Gond art and music reflect their religious and cultural beliefs. Despite their cultural richness, the Gonds face challenges such as economic marginalization, land alienation, and cultural exploitation. The decline of the Gondi language due to the dominance of Hindi and other languages further threatens their heritage. While the Indian government recognizes Gondi as a scheduled language, modernization, climate change, and political underrepresentation continue to impact their traditional lifestyles. Efforts are needed to preserve their language, promote economic development, and ensure their cultural and political inclusion.  Additionally, limited funding and infrastructure hinder their economic development. lack of infrastructure, and political underrepresentation.