Dr. Amit Soni

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak , India, Museology in Faculty of Tribal Studies, Faculty Member

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak , India, Faculty of Tribal Studies, Faculty Member

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I am an Anthropologist and Museologist, working in the field of Anthropology, Museology, indigenous people (tribe), culture and ethnomuseology.
Phone: 9752298815
Address: Faculty of Tribal Studies, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Village - Lalpur, District - Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
PINCODE - 484887

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Papers by Dr. Amit Soni

An Emerging Field of Museum Anthropology

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology (IJRA), 2025

Museum anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of museums, their col... more Museum anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of museums, their collections, exhibitions, and practices, as well as the cultural, social, and political contexts in which they operate. It includes the research work of ethnographic museums and their role in shaping cultural knowledge, representation, and identity. It encompasses various aspects, including museum history and development, collection and exhibition practices, representation and interpretation of cultural artifacts, cultural heritage preservation and management, community engagement and participation, decolonization, and repatriation.

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Ethnicity to Conversion: Role of Christian Missionaries Among Karbi Tribe

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology (IJRA), 2025

The Karbis, an indigenous group primarily inhabiting Assam and nearby regions, have long preserve... more The Karbis, an indigenous group primarily inhabiting Assam and nearby regions, have long preserved distinct cultural and religious traditions rooted in animism and nature worship. However, the introduction of Christianity, spearheaded by missionaries during the colonial and post-colonial periods, brought profound changes to their socio-religious landscape. This study examines the Karbi tribe of Northeast India, focusing on their ethnicity, cultural practices, and the transformative impact of Christian missionary efforts on their society. The research explores the methods employed by missionaries to facilitate conversion, including education, health care, and community engagement, while also considering the voluntary and involuntary dimensions of the Karbis’ transition to Christianity. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of missionary-led institutions in redefining Karbi identity and fostering social mobility. Additionally, the study interrogates the interplay between tradition and modernity, addressing how the Karbi community has negotiated cultural preservation amidst religious transformation. Through a combination of historical analysis and ethnographic fieldwork, this paper provides nuanced insights into the complexities of religious conversion, the resilience of ethnic identity, and the evolving dynamics between indigenous communities and external influences. The findings reveal a dual narrative of empowerment and cultural displacement, reflecting broader themes of globalization, colonial legacies, and the ongoing redefinition of indigenous identities in contemporary India.

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Approach and Role of Chhattisgarh Government in Tribal Education

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology (IJRA), 2024

The role of the government is very prominent in the formal educational sector because it decides ... more The role of the government is very prominent in the formal educational sector because it decides the line of action for approach and benefit to the students of all sections of society at state and national levels. Chhattisgarh, with one-third of its population as tribals, was constituted on 1st November 2000. According to the fifth schedule of the constitution of
India, 60.55 percent of the total geographical area of Chhattisgarh is considered as the scheduled area inhabited by various tribal groups of the state, including 5 particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
With the financial help of the central government under various schemes, the Chhattisgarh government runs various schools, hostels, Ashramshalas, and facilities for vocational education for tribals and other socio-economically deprived sections of the state. A field study is done by the author in Dantewada and Jashpur districts of Chhattisgarh. The establishment of schools, Ashramshalas, and hostels in the remote areas
of tribal-dominated development blocks has played a significant role in upgrading the educational standard of the tribal students and facilitated them with opportunities for overall betterment.
Keywords: Formal School Education; Vocational Education; Hostels; Coaching; Educational Infrastructure and Facilities

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Indigenous Knowledge System in Formal Education

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology (IJRA), 2024

The knowledge system of a community or a localized group accumulated with time through their unde... more The knowledge system of a community or a localized group accumulated with time through their understanding of surrounding ecology, life experiences, aboriginal technology, and way of life, which is a time tested way of doing things since generations and passed on as traditions can be termed as Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS). It is also referred to astraditional knowledge (TK), Local Knowledge, Folk Knowledge, Tribal Knowledge, Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK), and many more similar terms. Indigenous knowledge is an integral part of the culture of a native community. It is progressive and dynamic in nature and provides sustainability. It is unique for a particular region, culture, or society. It is acquired by a new generation in the form of informal and formal learning, or in common terms, we can call it traditional education.

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Tribal Development through Formal Education among Agarias of Chhattisgarh

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology, 2023

Education is a powerful means of development in any community. Various formal and nonformal forms... more Education is a powerful means of development in any community. Various formal and nonformal forms of education exist in different societies. Education has been institutionalized in the form of formal education in the schools and higher educational institutions in the remote and tribal areas gradually with the changing educational policies and programmes in the independent India with the advent of developing educational infrastructure and awareness in the remote areas. This resulted in the gradual increase in the percentage of literacy rate. But, perhaps few groups could not come up effectively in full pace along with their cohabits and become part of this developing change in their villages and surroundings, due to their situational demerits. Agaria tribe is one of such groups residing in the adjacent part of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. A survey of Agaria tribe in done utilizing the scientific research methods in the few pockets of this area ranging from Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh to Kawardh and Bilaspur districts in Chhattisgarh. This paper includes the situational analysis of socioeconomic and educational status of the Agaria people residing in the districts of Chhattisgarh.

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Marital Practices and Rituals of Baigas in Central India

SAARC Culture, Dec 31, 2023

The Baiga is one of the comparatively isolated tribes from the Indian subcontinent. Life cycle ri... more The Baiga is one of the comparatively isolated tribes from the Indian subcontinent. Life cycle rituals are very important in the family, which is the basic unit of Baiga social structure. These are full of rites and rituals from birth to death, pollution and sacredness, celebration, and mourning throughout the year. Baigas have a strong belief in the institution of marriage. Marriage is a sacred union in the Baiga community. Marriage is regarded as one of the most important social functions in the Baiga community, which institutionalizes sex for the permanent living and procreation of children. It is also known as the sacred tie between loving partners or couples married to their parents. They follow sub-tribe endogamy and do not marry outside the Jat (sub-group) and in the same lineage (Kari) and Garh (native geographical territory having families from common ancestors) due to incest taboo. The custom of taking the bride price is prevalent. Girls and boys are free to choose their life partners after attaining puberty. Polygyny is permitted and a good number of such cases are found in the study area. Marriages are based on affection and love among Baigas. During various social and family functions and dances, especially the Dashahara dance, they also get introduced to each other and choose their life partners. Pre-marital sex is also allowed in the Baiga community and in most cases, they get married. This paper deals with the culture, lifestyle, marriage rituals, acculturation, and change among Baigas of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in my area of study.

Keywords: lifestyle, family, marriage, ritual, custom, cultural change.

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Provisions for Deprived Groups (SEDGs) in NEP 2020 (Editorial)

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology (IJRA), 2023

Major policy initiatives related to formal education in India includes National Policy on Educati... more Major policy initiatives related to formal education in India includes National Policy on Education 1986, which was modified in 1992 and New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. All of these policies stressed on importance of education in mother tongue and need for preparing teaching/learning materials in local languages. Various 5 year plans also recognized need for empowerment of socioeconomically underprivileged groups through educational development. 11th 5-year plan (2007-2012) included one prime goal that up to 2007 every child should attain school. While this period, 'The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009' laid down legal underpinnings for achieving universal elementary education. NEP 2020 also laid stress for education in native language, vocational education, compulsory school education and holistic multidisciplinary education. The global education development agenda reflected in the Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015 seeks to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all" by 2030. NEP 2020 acclaims that main aim and purpose of the education system is to develop good human beings capable of rational thought and action, possessing compassion and empathy, courage and resilience, scientific temper and creative imagination, with sound ethical moorings and values. It aims at producing engaged, productive, and contributing citizens for building an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by our Constitution. The Policy envisages that the curriculum and pedagogy of our institutions must develop among the students a deep sense of respect towards the Fundamental Duties and Constitutional values, bonding with one's country, and a conscious awareness of one's roles and responsibilities in a changing world. One of the major thrust of NEP is full equity and inclusion as the cornerstone of all educational decisions to ensure that all students are able to thrive in the education system.

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Baiga Culture An Anthropo Museological Study

Shodhganga, 2017

Socio-Cultural Lifestyle of Tri-Natives: Gond, Bhil and Santhal

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology

Tribal lifestyle is deeply associated with their culture, art and craft. A larger mass of tribal ... more Tribal lifestyle is deeply associated with their culture, art and craft. A larger mass of tribal people live in rural areas. In central India, the area of Vindhya, Satpuda and Aravali Mountain ranges, starching from east to west in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan form a big tribal belt. Gond, Bhil and Santhal are the three biggest tribal communities residing in this central tribal region of India. These three dominating groups are comparatively developed then other tribal groups of the area, though their overall economy is still based on agriculture and labor work resulting in economic backwardness. But, new generation is gradually, getting educated and exposed to salaried jobs and modern technology. Due to better communication, exposure, marketization and modernization their culture is changing with time and need. Though, they have strong bond with their indigenous culture, religion and art, w...

Relevance of Ethnomuseology for Ethnographical Museums and Tribal Cultural Heritage

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology

Ethnomuseology is an interdisciplinary concept that mainly incorporates the Museum Studies and Et... more Ethnomuseology is an interdisciplinary concept that mainly incorporates the Museum Studies and Ethnography / Anthropology with varieties of ethnic arts / artifacts. Ethnographical Museums all over world are the result of specialized field of Ethnomuseography. Since the initial stage and even till today Socio-Cultural Anthropologists are playing significant role to enrich the field of Ethnomuseography and contributing to the development of ethnographical museums in India and abroad. The present paper discusses about ethnographic museums in relation to tribal heritage of India in the wave of modernization and globalization. Most of the Ethnographic collections or cultural heritages are still prevalent in the form of living traditions. But, many of them are gradually lost or vanishing with time in the changing scenario due to cultural change. It is high time to preserve it by ethnomuseographical means. An attempt has also been made to discuss the ways through which such ethnographic mu...

Representation of Indian Tribal Art and Heritage in Indian Museums: An Overview with Reference to Central India

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology

Museums may apply intangible heritage to improve their visitors have a better grasp of the subjec... more Museums may apply intangible heritage to improve their visitors have a better grasp of the subject matter. Museums may bridge the gap between themselves and their non-visitors with the aid of physical and intangible cultural assets, respectively. Identifying, documenting, and representing intangible components of a museum's collections is essential for this purpose. Museums may encourage towns, organizations, and people to conserve their intangible cultural heritage by displaying it in their permanent collections. With local communities' assistance, museums may regularly organize exhibitions and educational events such as gallery tours, seminars, conferences, and workshops. In their ecological pockets within their definite geographical areas, various ethnic groups from different regions exist, each with their own micro-cultural identity and bio-cultural diversity, vital in determining and recognizing a particular ethnic group through their identity. This article also provide...

Health Care and Traditional Healing Practices among the Dhurwas of Bastar

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology, 2016

Issues related to health and health care system and ground realities are vibrant, alarming and ey... more Issues related to health and health care system and ground realities are vibrant, alarming and eye-catching in the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. This paper emphasizes on traditional healers and healing practices prevalent among the Dhurwa tribe of Kanger Valley region of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, especially near Tirathagarh. The modern medicinal facilities are not easily approachable by the tribals and they mostly depend upon the traditional medicare and healing systems prevalent in their areas. The tribals are neither educated about the modern system of medical treatment nor provided with the required facilities in their residential areas. The local medicine-man or healer treats the ailing persons in their own houses or seats of the village deities. Illiteracy, unawareness, unfamiliarity and uneasiness sometimes stop them to go to the local dispensaries and health centers. Sometimes, they also easily fall prey of the exorcists and quacks in the area instead of good real traditionally trained healers. Though, various institutions are now concerned with the traditional health care system and means of traditional treatment, the tribal people are the real custodians of the medicinal plants spread in local forest area. Younger generation loosing interest in the traditional methods must also be made aware to protect effective traditional healing practices and valuable herbal plants before they get lost due to impact of modernization, urbanization and deforestation. Correct, collaborative and effective implementation of traditional medicinal practices along with proper co-ordination with the modern medicinal practices can prove more fruitful in this perspective.

The Tribal Economy in Western Madhya Pradesh: Environmental Perspectives and Changes in Livelihood Patterns

Asian Man (The) - An International Journal, 2015

Economy is the base of all activities in human life. It provides food which is the foremost impor... more Economy is the base of all activities in human life. It provides food which is the foremost important need of any living organism on earth. Food and related activities to acquire food vary from region to region and community to community. Hence, tribals form the hunters, gatherers, primitive agriculturists and so many other categories on the basis of their economy. Forests have remained the usual abode of the tribals in most parts of the world, particularly in India. Hilly tracts with the forest covers have become permanent shelter grounds for them due to obvious and non-apparent politico-economic reasons. Forest provides a suitable hunting ground and definitely a gatherers’ paradise for most of the hunting and food-gathering tribes of India. It is the call of the time to have sensible exploitation of the forest resources along with substantial forestation in the same area for keeping the balance of means and consumption in the forest. About a couple of decades ago the population was less and the forests were plenteous in quantity and variety both. Now, the situation is almost reverse. Forest reserves have gone down, while the population has increasingly gone up. The tribals are still the greatest friends of the forests and coexistence of both is essential. The Bhilala and the Patelia of some areas of Western Madhya Pradesh are deemed to be the good cultivators in the region due to their hard work, adoption of new agricultural techniques and use of fertilisers.

Public Healthcare Infrastructure to Address Tribal Health Issues and Awareness

Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology (IJRA), 2023

India's central and state governments have significantly increased basic health care infrastructu... more India's central and state governments have significantly increased basic health care infrastructure and introduced several important health schemes to reduce morbidity and increase quality of health and life expectancy. NHM is committed to provide accessible and essential health services to every citizen of India especially rural and tribal people. This fact indicates the concern and commitment of the government towards rural and tribal health. However, despite the committed efforts of the government, many issues such as excessive use of alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicants, lack of health literacy, animal attacks, unrealistic healthcare beliefs, disease burden and high birth and death rates are still prevalent in tribal areas, which are different and more complex than other contemporary communities. This fact indicates that due to many reasons the benefits of various health schemes and services are not reaching effectively to the tribal areas properly. Against this backdrop, the present paper aims to critically review and discuss the inadequate rural healthcare infrastructure and personnel in India with a detailed focus on tribal health issues and their causes.

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Ethnography vs. New Ethnography (Editorial)

Indian Journal of Research in India (IJRA), 2023

Ethnography vs. New Ethnography Writing ethnography is a research methodology developed under ant... more Ethnography vs. New Ethnography Writing ethnography is a research methodology developed under anthropology in the colonial period by Western scholars for the empirical study of human societies based on long-term fieldwork. Initially, this had produced monographs on many aboriginal groups. Socio-cultural anthropology was enriched with ethnographic fieldwork and research output in the form of descriptive accounts of various ethnic groups. Some renowned ethnographies are Argonauts of the Western PaciÞ c (1922) by Bronisław Malinowski, Ethnologische
Excursion in Johore (1875) by Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay, Coming of Age in Samoa
(1928) by Margaret Mead, The Nuer (1940) by E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Naven (1936,
1958) by Gregory Bateson, and "The Lele of the Kasai" (1963) by Mary Douglas.

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Iron-Metal Craft: Agaria Economy

Ethnoscience and Traditional Technology in India, 2016

Agaria tribal community is an artisan community living in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhatt... more Agaria tribal community is an artisan community living in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. They have indigenous technique of iron smelting and craft work developed long back by their forefathers. They produce iron and make artifacts and agricultural implements, etc. and sale in the local market. The Agaria have very dispersed population due to their traditional occupational constraints. Their per-capita income is very low. Their traditional craft of iron smithy is fast changing and gradually vanishing due to the impact of modernization and industrialization. In the changing scenario they are leaving their traditional Iron craft work and facing the problem of becoming laborers and seasonal migration. They have very low economical condition. This paper deals with the current situational analysis of the indigenous iron-metal craft and economic condition of the Agarias of Chhattisgarh.

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Some Tribes of Western Madhya Pradesh: Their Economy and Change in Livelihood Patterns

Recent Researches on the Tribes of Central India, 2016

Economy is the base of all activities in human life. It provides food which is the foremost impor... more Economy is the base of all activities in human life. It provides food which is the foremost important need of any living organism on earth. Human beings are more systematic for their economic production and gains than animals because they choose various ways and means to generate various articles of their need and. comforts in their day-to-day life. For food and related activities they acquire food which varies from region to region and community to community. Hence, the tribal form the hunters-gatherers, primitive agriculturists and so many other categories on the basis of their economy. Now, some groups have acquired knowledge and means to adopt neo-technique ecotypes, i.e. the year-round cultivation of arable land aided by the development of crop rotation and the use of fertilizers.

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Iron-metal Craft Economy of the Agaria Tribe of Chhattisgarh

Recent Researches on the Tribes of Central India, 2016

Agaria is an indigenous iron smelters and craftsmen tribal community. They live in the adjoining ... more Agaria is an indigenous iron smelters and craftsmen tribal community. They live in the adjoining areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The major population of Agaria tribe lives in the Mandala, Dindori, Balaghat and Sidhi districts of Madhya Pradesh and Bilaspur, Kawardha and Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh (Elwin L942; Russell and Hira Lal 1916; Mehta 2004; Singh 1992). According to census 2001, their total population in Chhattisgarh was 54,574 including 27,192 males and27,382 females (sex ratio - 1007). As per the census 2OLL, their total population in Chhattisgarh is 67,196 including 33,384 males and 33,812 females (sex ratio - 1013). Most of their population live in rural areas (64112- Census 2011). Their main occupation is Iron metal smelting and craftwork. They have indigenous technique of iron smelting and craft work developed long back by their forefathers. They produce iron from locally available iron ore and make artifacts and agricultural implements, etc. and sale in the local market. They built their house on the outskirts of village. The Agaria have very dispersed population due to their traditional occupational constraints. Usually, only one Agaria family is found in one village. Only few villages have Agaria hamlets with few families.

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Ethnomuseography, Action-Museology and Future India

Journal of Indian Museums, 2015

Ethnographical Museums all over world are the result of specialized field of Ethnomuseography. Mu... more Ethnographical Museums all over world are the result of specialized field of Ethnomuseography. Museology as a subject is gradually deriving towards specialization from generalized scenario. Along with preservation of cultural heritage, museums can play significant role in propagating cultural awareness through its various indoor and outdoor activities. In this respect, New Museum Movements through Action Museological approach will be very useful and effective. Ethnomuseography and Action Museology is a suitable answer for cultural sustainability to rescue from the situation of cultural vacuum. Proper documentation of various cultures utilizing ethnographical and ethnomuseographical techniques are required to have proper holistic preservation and representation. Ethnographical museums in India have emerged as vibrant institutions providing a link between the present and past. A perfect combination of Ethnomuseograpical and Action Museological practices would be a key to the preservation and propagation of cultural heritage, which will result in mass awareness and development of sense of pride for indigenous cultures. Now, ethnographic museums must move ahead from cultural preservation and supplementary informal educational institutions to centers of generating cultural awareness and sense of pride for indigenous cultures.

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Ethnographic Studies on Tribes of Chhattisgarh: An Overview

Approaches of Tribal Development, 2009

Ethnographic Study in Anthropology has its own place in depicting a culture into its holistic per... more Ethnographic Study in Anthropology has its own place in depicting a culture into its holistic perspective providing a descriptive account on a particular community, which has been studied face-to-face. Ethnography is an analysis and systematic interpretation of a culture in the dimension of time and space. Sarana (1983: 27) writes, “With the publication of B. Malinowski’s Argonauts of the Western Pacific in 1922 amateur ethnography was totally eclipsed. The ethnographic field work became a highly professionalized activity. It was no more mere data collection. It turned into deeper analysis of particular social structures and cultural patterns. The term ethnography refers to the descriptive account of the way of life of a particular people usually, though not necessarily, belonging to a small-scale or simple society. This article deals with the ethnographic studies on the tribe of Chhattisgarh state of India.

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