Abstract

The Mahali tribe of Choukapathra village of Nayagram Block and Jhargram is an artisan tribe. They mainly reside in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa. Their traditional occupation is basketry. They are patrilineal tribe. They prefer monogamy. Being an artisan tribe and depending on basketry their income is not sufficient for their livelihood now a day; as the markets of the products of basketry are being exchanged with plastic materials. The crisis is responsible for social cultural changes in various aspects. They are thinking themselves that their social positions are being deteriorated for this occupation.