The Rare Handcraft Tharu Community Of India: Youth Development Project For A Sustainable Society Through Local Resources

• Known for their rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and deep connection to the land, the Tharu have a unique way of life that has evolved over centuries. 

Objective of this Study

• To explore the Tharu's social structure, customs, culture, lifestyle and contemporary challenges.

•  To develop a sustainable system with the existing knowledge, practices and resources for the sustainable growth of the community. 

Geographic location

• Terai regions of northern India. 

• States:

• Champara of Bihar

• Udham Singh Nagar of Uttarakhand

• Kheeri, Pilibhit, Gonda, Balrampur, Gorakhpur, Lalhimpur Lhiri of UP

Physical Environment

• Damp Climate

• Excessive humid & heat during rainy season

• Water logging

• Fertile soil (Good for paddy cultivation)

• Diverse Forest

Social System

• Patrilineal Society

• Polygamy is a known practice in society.

• Systematic society following a hierarchical system.

• The system is called Panchayat & the leader is pardhan.

• The panchayat system governs the community as well as they are the justice providers for the people.

• Women have high position & respect in the society along with economic rights.

• Practices Hindu religion as well as worship local gods & goddesses.

• Friendship is a very Integral part of the society, everyone has one best friend who are close like real brothers & sisters.

• Love marriage, remarriage and widow marriage is acceptable

Agriculture

(Tharu's are agricultural community)

Crops:

1. Rice (Oryza sativa)

2. Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

3. Maize (Zea mays)

Pulses and Legumes:

1. Lentils (Lens culinaris)

2. Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)

Oilseeds:

1. Mustard (Brassica spp.)

Vegetables and Other Crops:

1. Millet (Eleusine coracana)

2. Various Vegetables including gourds, pumpkins, spinach, and other leafy greens, which are integral to their daily diet. 

3. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

4. Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Craft & Art Practices

All the cultural & economic practices are deeply rooted with nature.

Following are the cultural practices of Tharus:

1. Folk art

2. Tharu wall paintings

3. Tharu hand crafts

4. Tharu dance & songs

5. Tharu tattoos

6. Tharu magic

Houses

Traditional mud houses with mud, wood and grass are warm in winter and cool in summer.

Social Scenario

• Social Discrimination and Marginalisation: As a marginalised community lacks representation in the politics & faces discrimination.

• Limited Access to Quality Education: Tharu's depend on local government school or private schools, though the youth only focus on studying for landing any job and do not care much about quality education for intellectual growth.

• Employment: 90.42% youth focus on government or private jobs but lack the educational resources for higher level jobs. Only 4.31% are studying for higher level jobs. 9.48% want their businesses.

1. School teachers job is very lucrative for the tribe youth

2.  54.31% people wants jobs in local areas

3. Traditional craft & art don't get enough exposure to provide a livelihood

Social Scenario

• Health: People prefer traditional medicine & jadphook over modern medicines.

• Cultural Mix: Cultural mix is visible as the youths are going out for jobs. The youth are becoming more & more disconnected with their culture, tradition & knowledge as well as losing connection with nature and sustainable lifestyle.

• Technology:

1. People have access to modern tech but it is mostly used for entertainment purposes.

2.  Electric facility has been developed but the community faces extreme power cuts.

• Transportation: Bus is the main mode of transportation 55.60% people use bus, 33.60% use taxi & 10% use bullock cart.

• Tourism: Tribal truism has started for economic development.

Tharu Ecosystem & Environmental Impact

Tharu People

Environmental Factors & Impact on Tharu People:

What can be Done

• Diversified income opportunity with the local resources & knowledge

• Developing businesses with the Tharu Craft & art

• Developing acceptance of traditional knowledge

• Preserving the sustainable lifestyle & economy of the Tharus

Idea

Developing Youth Centers for skill and economic development.