VANISHING VOICES: EXPLORING THE CONTRIBUTION AND DECLINE OF BIRHOR ORAL TRADITIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

The Birhor tribes knowledge, education and culture are predominantly passed down orally from one generation to the next. This oral tradition is an integral part of their identity and existence. For centuries, they have derived this knowledge from nature and have worked to preserve it. This oral tradition holds a significant place within the Indian knowledge system, making it essentialto preserve and protect this wisdom. This long-accumulated knowledge is now at risk as the traditional process of knowledge transferring is gradually fading away. Globalization and the influence of western culture, lack of representation, changing livelihoods, generation gap etc. have caused the younger generation ofthe Birhor community to gradually losetouchwiththeir traditionalwisdom. Thisresearcharticleaims to analyzethe contribution of Birhor oral tradition to the Indian knowledge system, by drawing parallels betweenthetribalculture and practicesofthe Birhorcommunityand Indianancient culture as depicted in various ancient Indian texts, while also examining the generational gap that is contributingtothedeclineofthisinvaluablecultureand intellectuallegacy.Thestudyseeksto identify way to prevent further loss and ensure the continuation of this rich tradition.