The global phenomenon of modernization has permeated the domains of the world's indigenous populations, rendering them exposed to new opportunities and progressions. While some have remained staunchly anchored to their antiquated lifestyle, others have wholeheartedly embraced modernization's appeal. In the case of the Paudi Bhuyan tribe of Odisha (India), modernization has prompted a profound metamorphosis, as they endeavor to keep pace with the rapidity of change. Government-sponsored initiatives have bestowed upon them access to the necessary tools and technologies indispensable for survival in a dynamic environment.
Nevertheless, modernization's benefits have produced a dichotomy, as it has safeguarded the tribe from exploitation and enriched their standard of living by augmenting education and healthcare. Conversely, it pushed the tribe to distance themselves from their customs, engendering alienation and precariousness in a new world.
The study's objective was to scrutinize the influence of modernization on the Paudi Bhuyan tribe's socio-economic profile, customs, and traditions in Fuljhar village, in addition to their reactions to these transformations. The study unveiled that modernization has exerted a profound impact on the locale, resulting in the erosion of established customs and traditions, causing people to adopt new identities. The methodology employed for the study included participatory observation, personal narratives, interviews, and ethnography. There was a gradual decline in tribal crafts and cultivation, and traditional hunting practices are no longer prevalent. Other religions has replaced tribal religions, and the once-revered magical cures and herbs have become obsolete. Institutional health care has become ubiquitous in the area.
The study sheds light on the opposing poles of modernization and preservation, calling for anthropologists to analyze these multifaceted interactions. Accordingly, an approach is needed that honors the tribe's cultural identity while enabling them with necessary resources. However, this approach must not be imposed upon the tribe but rather be voluntary and consensual.
