India is an amalgamation of a number of tribal communities, which is endowed with their rich socio-cultural heritage. The tribal communities are fast loosing their links with their own cultural moorings and thereby facing a kind of identity crisis. The legends, myths, folklores, folktales relating to their origins, beliefs and practices are withering away in the fold of modernization, industrialization and migration. However, paradoxically few tribal communities are now awakened and have developed a sense of collective consciousness about the risk of losing their traditional identity. They are eager and want to revive and preserve their rich cultural identity.
The paper makes a humble attempt to stress upon the Santals (one of the dominant tribal groups of Odisha). Data was collected through observation (both participant & non-participant), focused group discussion and interview methods. Soon after independence there is rapid spread of higher education, various protective and welfare measures for the tribals led to the development of the new elite class among the Santals. The emerging tribal elites in course of time realized that they are losing their socio-cultural identity. The paper centers around how these elite classes are now in search of a new identity by reviving and preserving the customs and traditions through socio-political associations to mobilize the common tribal masses. It also discusses how the socio-political movements in Odisha are gaining ground in this area.
Thus the paper tries to highlight how the Santal elite group challenge the erosion of Santal culture and are struggling to establish a new identity through protest and propaganda. The strong approach of contra-acculturation further boosts to revitalize and preserve the rich cultural heritage.
