Paper short abstract:

The paper focuses on the nature-the forests and hills, the spirits and conservatory practices of adivasi communities with special reference to the Santal community in Jharkhand. The paper outlines about two models- the basic needs cultural model (BNCM) and the derived needs social model (DNSM).

Paper long abstract:

The relationship between nature and spirits is universal. However, this relationship is profound especially in global biodiversity hotspots. The paper focuses on the nature-the forests and hills, the spirits and conservatory practices of adivasi communities with a special reference to the Santal community in Jharkhand state of India. Jharkhand, etymological meaning, forest land, is inhabited by 32 tribes; all these tribes have their unique culture and belief system. Besides differences, there are also commonalities among tribes as close cultural proximity to forest, hill and other natural objects. The special attachment of the communities in Jharkhand with nature is reflected in dominant form of cultural, social, political and economic practices throughout the state. The uniqueness of tribal culture and their nature-based ritual practices have bound them together through ethnicity and cultural identity.

The paper outlines about two models- the basic needs cultural model (BNCM) and the derived needs social model (DNSM). BNCM is primarily concerned with security, safety, relationships and leisure activities, and DNSM is about ethnicity, identity, polity and economy. Symbols, spirits and cosmology are binding forces between them that rest on institutions-ethics, norms and values.

These sustainable actions are built around the strong cultural foundation to counter global challenges like climate change, food security and peace that directly come under the SDGs-SDG-2, SDG-13 and SDG-16.