Volume : 11, Issue : 8, AUG 2025
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR TRIBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TRIBES OF CHHATTISGARH
DR. ASHUTOSH MANDAVI
Abstract
Tribal communities constitute an inseparable component of India’s socio-economic and cultural identity. Chhattisgarh, often referred to as the “tribal heartland of India,” is home to a large population of indigenous groups such as the Gond, Baiga, Oraon, Bison-Horn Maria, and Muria. These communities are traditionally skilled in crafts such as Dhokra metal art, wooden carving, bamboo craft, kosa silk weaving, terracotta, and herbal medicine derived from indigenous knowledge. Despite their potential, tribal artisans face systemic challenges of poor communication, weak market linkages, lack of branding, digital exclusion, and exploitation by intermediaries. This paper explores communication strategies for tribal economic growth with special reference to Chhattisgarh tribes. The study highlights tribal products such as herbal medicine, wooden art, cloth weaving, and metal craft, and examines barriers in market communication. It further proposes a multi-dimensional communication framework combining community-based participatory communication, digital marketing, cultural branding, and institutional support. Case studies such as Bastar Dhokra art, Kosa silk weaving, and Baiga herbal practices are analyzed to demonstrate successful practices. The paper argues that communication strategies are not merely technical tools but social bridges that connect tribal heritage with modern markets. By fostering inclusive communication models, encouraging tribal participation in e-commerce, strengthening government support, and branding tribal products as sustainable and ethical commodities, Chhattisgarh’s tribal communities can achieve both economic growth and cultural preservation. The findings suggest that communication, when designed with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, can transform the tribal economy into a driver of sustainable development in India.
Keywords
TRIBAL ECONOMY, CHHATTISGARH TRIBES, COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES, HANDICRAFTS, DHOKRA ART, KOSA SILK, PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION, TRIBAL MARKETING, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
Article : Download PDF
Cite This Article
IESRJ
International Educational Scientific Research Journal
E-ISSN: 2455-295X
International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal
ISSN: 2455-295X
Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal
Peer-Reviewed Journal
Article No : 15
Number of Downloads : 256
References
1. Baviskar, A. (2019). Tribal Communities and Economic Development in India. Oxford University Press.
2. Choudhury, B. (2020). Handicrafts of Tribal India: A Study of Marketing and Communication. Sage Publications.
3. Government of Chhattisgarh (2022). Tribal Development Annual Report. Raipur: Directorate of Tribal Welfare.
4. Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. (2021). Marketing of Tribal Products: Policies and Practices. New Delhi.
5. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
6. Sharma, R. & Patel, K. (2023). “E-Marketing for Tribal Handicrafts: Opportunities and Challenges.” Journal of Rural Development Studies, Vol. 15(2), pp. 115–128.
7. TRIFED (2022). Promoting Tribal Products Through TRIBES India. Retrieved from: https://trifed.tribal.gov.in
8. Verma, R. (2021). Cultural Heritage and Economic Development of Chhattisgarh Tribes. New Delhi: Concept
