Tradition in Transition: Changing Cultural Identity and Knowledge among the Bharia Tribe of Patalkot

The Bharia tribe of Patalkot, Madhya Pradesh, represents a significant yet understudied Indigenous community in India. Known for their distinct language, herbal healing practices, and ecological lifestyle, the Bharias are currently facing socio-cultural transformations due to external developmental influences. This paper explores the transition in their traditional identity and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), drawing on secondary data from government reports, academic studies, and authentic media sources. It examines the influence of infrastructure development, educational access, welfare schemes, and legal provisions such as the Forest Rights Act on Bharia. While these changes have enhanced access to services and mobility, they have also contributed to the erosion of linguistic traditions, medicinal knowledge, and cultural autonomy. The analysis highlights the dual nature of these transitions—bringing opportunities but also posing threats to cultural preservation. Using sociological concepts of identity, agency, and resilience, the study calls for inclusive development approaches that recognise and integrate tribal knowledge systems. It concludes by recommending educational integration, community-led conservation, and participatory planning as key strategies for sustaining Bharia identity amidst transition.