- Tea-tribes
= Habitation =
The Tea-tribes are found mainly in the districts of
Darrang ,Sonitpur ,Nagaon ,Jorhat ,Golaghat ,Dibrugarh ,cachar ,hailakandi ,karimganj Tinsukia and almost all the districts ofAssam inIndia . It may be mentioned here that Santhali speakers are also found in parts ofKokrajhar andBongaigaon districts also. The population of Santhali speakers is about 135,900.Origin
The so-called Tea-tribes were brought in by the colonial planters (British) as indentured labourers from the Chhotanagpur plateau region.
Physical Characteristics
Anthopologically, the have
Negroid features. General physical characteristics are:- Shorter (around 4.5 to 5 ft), of dark complexion, curly hair, blunt nose and widenostril s, high cheek bones.Socio-economic Conditions
One of the backward and most exploited tribes in india, though newer generation are comparatively educated and we now have intellectuals and profressionals in various fields. The Tea tribes, being basically labours, live in villages, inside
tea-estate s (established bytea-planters . These estates are located in interior places and this contributes to the backwardness and exploitation of them by thetea-planters . The workers, in a way have to live with the basic facilities provided by thetea-planters . Thetea-planters , usually exploit the tea-tribes every possible way. Violances and agitation of labours against the management is common, where the state machinery normally protects thetea-planters . Non-education, poverty, addiction of males to country-beer, poor standard of living and health facility are the problems in their life. There are instances whentea-planters do not even supply the life-saving drugs when workers are dying out of epidemics.The 'welfare officer' appointed in every tea-estate due to compulsion from
Govt of India , are mostly show-pieces than of any good.* [http://www.unicef.org/india/state_profiles_2712.htm Village Planning has lifesaving impact for the Tea Tribes in Assam]
* [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fline/fl2424/stories/20071221501301800.htm Tribal Turmoil (Including a History of exploitation)]
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