Sugali Tandas of Ramakuppam: Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Historical Transitions
Summary
The paper examines the socio-economic, cultural, and religious aspects of the Sugalis, a nomadic tribe in Ramakuppam Mandalam, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. Originally from Rajasthan, the Sugalis migrated to South India in the 17th century, initially as transporters for armies and later settling as pastoralists and agriculturists. By the 19th century, they were classified as a Criminal Tribe under British rule due to criminal activities like robbery and dacoity. Post-1930, deforestation and forest protection laws forced them to shift to agriculture and labor. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe post-Independence, they are divided into two main groups, Mood and Bookhe, with distinct sub-groups. Their settlements, called Tandas, are led by three heads—Naik, Karbari, and Daov—who resolve disputes. The Tandas face challenges like poverty, illiteracy, and migration, with women bearing the brunt of household responsibilities. They maintain traditional customs, including the Racchadevara festival, and have limited access to education, with only a few Tandas having schools. Their lifestyle reflects a blend of pastoral and agricultural practices, alongside strong adherence to cultural and religious traditions.
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Conclusion
The study of Sugali Tandas in Ramakuppam Mandalam reveals their complex socio-economic transitions from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural communities, shaped by historical, colonial, and post-independence policies. Their settlement patterns, organized around Tandas with distinct governance structures, highlight adaptive resilience amid deforestation, mechanized transport, and shifting economic opportunities. Persistent challenges like poverty, illiteracy, and gender disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly in education and women’s welfare. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, their cultural practices—such as the Racchadevara festival and traditional governance—reflect enduring communal bonds. However, modernization pressures, landlessness, and migration-driven family separation threaten their social fabric, necessitating balanced development strategies that preserve their identity while addressing contemporary vulnerabilities.