Countering Cultural Erasure
A Study on Adivasi Empowerment and Self-Determination Through Social Media
Abstract
This article examines examples of Adivasi-led social media platforms in India and investigates initiatives that involve the participation of young people from Adivasi communities across India in the (re)creation and definition of the concept of indigeneity. These include groups such as the Ango Khabar, Adivasi Lives Matter, and Trilingo.in. Through the employment of in-depth interviews and content analysis, this article enquires
whether the cultural erasure of Adivasi identity, which began during the British colonial era and continues in contemporary India, can be positively countered with the use of social media and digital platforms. It analyzes the strategies, challenges, and impact of such initiatives in reclaiming cultural narratives and promoting Adivasi
self-representation. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the development of guidelines and best practices for utilizing social media as a platform for cultural preservation and empowerment of those who have long been—and still are—considered to be subaltern.
Metrics
The published content is property of the journal and its publisher, the Oriental Institute. The content cannot be freely distributed, unless the publisher gives a permission to publish limited content or part of the content to promote the journal.
