Threads that Bind
Threads that Bind
Authors : Kalyani C
Government policies towards tribal population in India, while aiming to protect tribal culture and habitats, also try to integrate tribal people into the mainstream society. Policies towards the Toda tribal community in Ootacamund and its surrounding areas in Tamil Nadu are no exception. Though well intended, the goals of these policies are contradictory and consequently the outcome in terms of integration into mainstream society or preservation of tribal culture is compromised. This affects women in the Toda community more than it affects the men.
Women from the Toda community attempt to uphold traditional values of Toda culture more than men do. Yet, at the same time, Toda women also navigate the mainstream world to meet material needs of their family more than the men do. This contradiction between upholding tradition and transitioning into modernity is evident in Toda women’s efforts to monetise their unique embroidery skills. While there is widespread appreciation and demand for the exquisite embroidery of the Toda community, the offerings not only face competition, but there are expectations in terms of discipline and effi ciency in production and delivery. These market expectations are not consistent with the sedentary lifestyle of the Toda community that values traditional culture, spontaneity and fl uidity.
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