Cultural Heritage in Transition: A Comparative Study of Adaptation Strategies Among the Indigenous Himalayan Tribes in Chamoli and Pauri Garhwal Regions of Uttarakhand

The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is known for its landscapes and cultural diversity, housing various Indigenous tribal communities. However, there is a complex interplay between tradition and modernization as these communities confront the impacts of globalization, climate change, and economic challenges. These tribes possess extensive traditional knowledge that influences their lifestyles, food, economics, and architecture, adapting to their environment and developing a unique social fabric contributing to their sustainable living. Yet, despite their rich knowledge, some communities thrive while others perish over generations. This research aims to uncover key environmental and economic factors driving changes in lifestyle and social fabric within the Indigenous community of the Bhotiya tribe at Mana village in Chamoli. It seeks to understand the adaptation strategies that help them sustain their lifestyles and livelihoods in response to modern development, climate change, and resultant economic shifts, providing insights into how this community is thriving. In contrast, others face the threat of extinction. Comparing these learnings with the situation of the Bakusa tribe at Kukraun in Pauri Garhwal will help propose a framework for the sustainable development of the Indigenous tribe there, which is currently facing an existential crisis due to ongoing development and its impacts. Primary studies provided a foundation for understanding the historical and socio-cultural context of these communities. The literature review highlighted the need for sustainable development initiatives in the Himalayan region, advocating for community resilience and indigenous cultural preservation. Employing a qualitative approach for comparative thematic analysis of secondary data, the study explored how these Indigenous communities navigated modernization while maintaining socio-economic resilience and cultural identity. In conclusion, the research highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities amidst modernization in the Himalayan region, integrating the insights into sustainable development policies for this region. This approach fosters resilience and inclusivity aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal no. 11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities.