An Anthropological Perspective of Religion and Culture in India Through the Ages

An Anthropological Perspective of Religion and Culture in India Through the Ages
(A Study of Gullabeer of Dhankut of District Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh )

Author
Dr.Alok Chantia, Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri JNPG (KKC) College, Lucknow, U. P.,226001,India
E-mail: alokchantia@rediffmail.com:alokchantia@gmail.com

Abstract
Life begins with culture and survives with religion. It is hard to imagine that one could have his/her breath without having supernatural divine feeling. It is well defined that faith in supernatural is religion. Culture is nothing but total way of life and includes religion also. Scientifically religion gives solace and peace which is nothing but balanced secretion of Adrino –Cartico -Tropic Hormone (ACTH). It regulates our immune system and ultimately affects the body positively. Culture and religion have made parallel path in the process of cultural evolution. Nomadic, barbaric and civilized life came due to culture, but as an individual proceeds towards more complex society,he/she inclines towards religion. Today if we see any mechanical device, artifacts, all get religious symbol. Expansion of human population and geographical difference created different types of feeling for nature which coined different rules for supernatural power, that is why we have different religions. Anthropologically ,it may be examined that religion plays its vital role in the existence of man in holistic manner. In India 698 tribal groups are living across the country and every tribal group has its own religious feeling. How religion acts in a micro group like Dhankut of district bahraich and how does religion plays its role in the different institution of culture will be examined in the endogamous group of Dhankut of district Bahraich of U.P., where life revolves around Gullabeer – a local deity of Dhankut. How religion acts on marriage, family, health etc. all these aspects will be discussed in my proposed paper.