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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Around the forest: An anthropological study of tribal psychology in India
Authors
Dr. Ajeet Kumar Jogi
Abstract
Forests have historically constituted the
ecological, economic, cultural, and psychological foundation of tribal
societies in India (Elwin (1939) [7]; Gadgil & Guha (1992) [12];
Berkes (2018) [2]. For generations, Indigenous communities have
depended upon forests for food, medicine, housing materials, livelihood,
cultural practices, and spiritual identity (Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2014) [20];
FAO (2021) [9]. Consequently, the psychological orientation of
tribal communities has evolved in close interaction with forest ecosystems.
This paper examines the relationship between forests and tribal psychology from
an anthropological perspective and argues that the abundance of natural
resources has traditionally fostered a positive psychological environment
characterized by security, cooperation, optimism, collective identity, and
ecological stewardship. However, rapid deforestation, extractive development
projects, mining, industrialization, infrastructure expansion, displacement,
and increasing state intervention in tribal regions have fundamentally transformed
this relationship. The depletion of forests has not only undermined traditional
livelihoods but has also generated widespread psychological stress, anxiety,
insecurity, social fragmentation, and resistance among tribal communities
(Cunsolo & Ellis (2018) [5]; WHO (2022). The paper further
explores how ecological destruction, forced displacement, criminalization of
environmental defenders, and prolonged legal conflicts have reshaped tribal
consciousness from one of ecological harmony to one increasingly characterized
by uncertainty and collective resistance (Sundar (2016) [24];
People's Union for Civil Liberties (where appropriate). Drawing upon
anthropological literature, political ecology, environmental psychology, and
empirical observations from tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha,
Madhya Pradesh, and other Fifth Schedule Areas, the paper argues that forest
conservation should be recognized not merely as an environmental concern but
also as a prerequisite for safeguarding the mental well-being, cultural
continuity, and sustainable development of Indigenous peoples.
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Pages:133-136
How to cite this article:
Dr. Ajeet Kumar Jogi "Around the forest: An anthropological study of tribal psychology in India". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 133-136
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