MIGRATION, MOBILITY, AND MARGINS: EXPLORING RURAL-URBAN SHIFTS IN THE LAMBANI COMMUNITY

In India, rural-urban migration has long been a significant driver of socio-economic change, especially among historically marginalized communities. The Lambani, a nomadic tribal group, are undergoing profound transitions in the face of modernity and urbanization. This research investigates the socio-cultural and economic transformations within the Lambani community, focusing on Bhavihalli Tanda and Bellary in Karnataka. Drawing on qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, oral histories, focus group discussions, and ethnographic observation, the study captures the lived experiences of three generations. It reveals that urban migration has enabled educational and occupational mobility, particularly among the younger generation, contributing to improved economic stability and aspirations for social advancement. However, this shift also results in the gradual erosion of traditional practices, especially among women who were once central to cultural preservation through embroidery and oral traditions. Gender roles, while evolving in urban settings, remain constrained by structural inequalities. The study highlights the tensions between material mobility and cultural loss, emphasizing the need for development approaches that recognize and preserve indigenous knowledge systems while supporting inclusive socio-economic growth.