Subsistence Strategies and Resource Use Among the Santals of Srirampur in Assam

  • Saurabh Mardi Bodoland University
  • Hilloljyoti Singha Bodoland University
Keywords: Santal, Natural resources, Bushmeat, Conservation awareness, Srirampur

Abstract

The Santals, one of India's largest Indigenous tribal communities, are primarily found in regions of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. They share a common language and cultural traditions. The study discusses how the Santals use natural resources including bushmeat, often gathered from the forest or densely vegetated areas in Srirampur, the west border of Assam in North-east India. A structured survey and interviews were carried out among 111 residents. The interviewed community depended significantly on the forest, collecting natural resources such as food, medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Hunting was prevalent in the community. Hunters were significantly younger (21.54±8.21 years old) than non-hunters (47.96±10.19 years old) and most preferred catapults to traps. Mass hunting occurred occasionally and was mostly done by children for leisure. Birds were the most targeted animals, while frogs and rodents were also hunted. The primary driver for hunting was consumption and bushmeat was not sold in markets. Other hunting includes species of mollusks and fish. The illiterate members of the tribe were not aware of NGO and state-led conservation efforts although they supported them. This study discusses Santal culture, Santal attitudes toward natural resources, and stresses the need for governmental intervention and awareness programs.

Author Biography

Saurabh Mardi, Bodoland University

 Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Zoology, Bodoland University, Assam, India

First author

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A quintych of photoraphs depicting Santali people's interaction with non-timber forest products (NTFPs): Sale of firewood (A): a man sits on a bench by the street behind bundles of chopped firewood, Bamboo taken for sale (B): a man guides a two-wheeled cart loaded with a large bundle of bamboo stalks, NTFPs collection (C-E): left-right: a man gathers branches from the ground in the woods; a man checks the wheel on a cart laden high with cut branches; a man gathers branches while climbing a tree. Photographs by Saurabh Mardi.
Published
2025-09-19
How to Cite
Mardi, S., & Singha, H. (2025). Subsistence Strategies and Resource Use Among the Santals of Srirampur in Assam. Ethnobiology Letters, 16(1), 116-127. https://doi.org/10.14237/ebl.16.1.2025.1891
Section
Research Communications