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Tribal and rural people in India have survived for centuries using various kinds of traditional techniques and knowledge systems. However, the traditional knowledge system and techniques are disappearing rapidly owing to industrialisation, modernisation and globalisation. The volume attempts to record, conserve, preserve and create awareness of this knowledge system.

The 29 articles in the volume view diverse aspects of life of tribal and rural people—from the prehistoric time to the contemporary period. They are concerned with traditional agriculture, irrigation, water management, arts and crafts, economy and communication in tribal systems of life. They also discuss natural resources management and health care and medicines among tribals. With numerous illustrations, they study the life, customs and practices of the Meiteis of Manipur, Nicobarese of Katchal Island, the artisan tribes of Jharkhand, the Chick Baraik weaving community, the Kondhs of Kandhamal of Odisha and the Kamar tribe of Chhattisgarh. They explore various aspects of craft traditions like the handmade paper craft, the metal craft tradition of Dhokra and the Madhubani folk painting.