Hakki Pikki Tribal Community | 24 Apr 2023

Why in News?

More than 181 members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community from Karnataka are stuck in violence-hit Sudan.

What are the Characteristics of the Hakki Pikki Tribe?

  • About:
    • The Hakki Pikki tribe is a semi-nomadic tribe traditionally engaged in bird catching and hunting, living in forest areas in west and south India.
    • It is a Scheduled Tribe in Karnataka and their origin is said to be an ancestral relation with the legendary Ranapratap Singh.
  • Origination and Settlement:
    • The Hakki Pikki tribe is believed to have originated from Gujarat and Rajasthan and migrated to south India via Andhra Pradesh.
    • The tribe is divided into four clans and has a population of 11,892 in Karnataka.
      • The 4 clans are Gujaratia, Panwar, Kaliwala and Mewaras and can be equated with castes in the traditional Hindu society.
  • Society:
    • The usual age of marriage among the tribe is 18 for women and 22 for men, and cross-cousin marriages are preferred.
      • The society is matriarchal, and Monogamy is the norm.
    • Hakki Pikkis in Karnataka follow Hindu traditions and celebrate all Hindu festivals.
    • Education levels among the Hakki Pikkis are still low.
  • Livelihood:
    • The forest is the main natural resource of the Hakki Pikki.
    • The tribe has faced challenges due to stricter wildlife protection laws, leading them to shift from hunting to selling herbal oils, spices, and plastic flowers in local temple fairs.
  • Migration to Africa:
    • In recent years, members of the Hakki Pikki tribe have been travelling to African countries to sell their products as there is a huge demand for Ayurvedic products in the continent.
    • African countries offer better market opportunities, with the potential for higher returns on investment in raw materials such as hibiscus powder, oil extraction, gooseberry, Ayurvedic plants, etc.

To know more about Various Tribes of India – Click Here

What led to the Violence in Sudan?

  • There was violence recently in the country due to tense negotiations between two forces, Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
  • The negotiations were about merging the forces into a single national army, as part of a political agreement for the military to hand over power to civilian leaders.
    • This created mounting tensions because hardline factions within the military were resistant to the incorporation and led to violence.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void? (2019)

(a) Third Schedule
(b) Fifth Schedule
(c) Ninth Schedule
(d) Twelfth Schedule

Ans: (b)

Source: IE