Principal Investigator  Message

The project “Documentation of the Folklore and Culture of Scheduled Tribes of the North Maharashtra Region (Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon)” is a meaningful initiative aimed at preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities in this region.

This website draws inspiration from “Khandesh TRACES – Tribal Research and Archive of Culture, Ethnography and Studies”, and seeks to build a similar platform dedicated to documentation, research, and public engagement with tribal knowledge systems.

My association with this project is deeply personal, as I belong to Nandurbar—one of the primary regions of study. Growing up in this cultural landscape has been a constant source of inspiration and has shaped my commitment to documenting and preserving these traditions. This project, therefore, is not only an academic endeavour but also an effort to give back to the community.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative has been the formation of a dedicated research team, working together in harmony towards a shared goal. It has been an exciting and knowledge-driven journey, offering valuable learning opportunities and meaningful interactions with eminent scholars and practitioners in the field.

Through this project, we hope to create a positive impact by preserving cultural heritage, promoting awareness, and contributing meaningfully to society. I extend my sincere gratitude to the research team and the participating communities whose support and collaboration make this work possible.

Preserving voices, empowering communities, and carrying cultural heritage forward for generations to come.

Dr. B. N. Kesur
Principal Investigator

Thank you for visiting!

Co-Principal Investigator  Message

The project “Documentation of Folklore and Culture of the Scheduled Tribes of the North Maharashtra Region” is an effort to preserve and share the rich cultural traditions of tribal communities in this region.

As Co-Principal Investigator, I support the planning of the project, guide the fieldwork process, and help in understanding and presenting the collected materials. The project focuses on recording stories, songs, rituals, and other cultural practices, while working closely and respectfully with the communities.

Being a member of a tribal community myself, this work is very close to my heart. It is this personal connection that inspired me to take up this project and contribute in a meaningful way to my community. Through this initiative, we hope to preserve these traditions and make them more visible and valued.

I sincerely thank the communities for sharing their knowledge and the research team for their dedicated efforts. I hope this platform helps create greater awareness and appreciation of tribal culture.

Dr. Yogesh Mahale
Co-Principal Investigator

Research / Technical Assistant  Message

The project “Documentation of Folklore and Culture of Scheduled Tribes of the North Maharashtra Region” is an important initiative aimed at preserving the rich oral traditions, cultural practices, and indigenous knowledge of tribal communities in this region.

As a Research and Technical Assistant associated with this project, my role involves assisting in the collection, organisation, and digital documentation of folklore materials gathered through fieldwork. This includes recording oral narratives, songs, rituals, and cultural practices, as well as helping structure and maintain the digital archive that will make these materials accessible for researchers, students, and the wider public.

The folklore traditions of tribal communities represent a valuable cultural heritage that reflects their history, worldview, and relationship with nature. Through careful documentation and responsible representation, this project seeks to preserve these traditions for future generations while also recognising and respecting the knowledge of the communities who continue to sustain them.

It is our hope that this platform will serve as a meaningful resource for understanding the diverse cultural heritage of the tribal communities of North Maharashtra and encourage further research and appreciation of their living traditions.

Thank you for visiting this initiative and supporting the preservation of our shared cultural heritage.

Kshama S. Fegade
Technical/ Research Assistant

Field  Worker

Varsha Valvi (Field Worker)

Varsha Valvi conducts fieldwork and engages with communities, contributing to the collection of primary data.

Vikram Valvi (Field Worker)

Vikram Valvi assists in field research and data collection, supporting on-ground documentation efforts.