SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL EXCLUSION OF WAYANAD'S ADIYA TRIBE IN KERALA

Abstract

The study explores the socio-economic and political conditions contributing to the exclusion of the Adiya Tribe in Wayanad, Kerala. The primary objectives include analyzing socio-economic factors and examining political barriers hindering the integration of tes community into mainstream society. The Adiya Tribe, representing approximately 7.31% of Wayanad's tribal population, has faced persistent socio-economic challenges despite the abolition of bonded labor and various rehabilitation efforts. Data was collected in 2022 using a descriptive research design with qualitative methods. A multistage random sampling technique was employed during the pilot study, selecting 50 respondents, predominantly female (71.5%), from the Gram Panchayats of Thirunelli and Pulpalli. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to gather primary data, complemented by secondary data from government records, census data, and scholarly research. The thematic analysis approach was used for analyzing socio-economic barriers, educational challenges, healthcare access, land issues, and political participation, with a particular focus on the tribe’s cultural practices and traditional governance systems