Markets image when buyers and sellers converge. But unlike modern societies, tribal markets have a social basis, not profit.
Tribal markets may be periodical. Weekly - dhorai seasonal annual. Like bastar Mela Pushkar Mela.
Unique functions identified by anthropologists. A gell 1982. Ottenberg. Pandey 1999.
Barter exchange
Selling is there part time specialisation
Absence of market won't disrupt their life
Special rules may exist. Women maybe only sellers and men as buyers.
Rules of inauguration may exist inauguration by priest.
Non economic functions.
Socialization and communication.
Judicial functions at market. Religious functions.
Marriage partners selected at market. Bheel of Gujarat practice marriage by capture
Place for entertainment drinking and dancing
Conflict resolution
therefore markets are more than places of exchange but a socio-cultural phenomena.
But outsiders also use markets to exploit them and money market consumerism with education India urbanisation is changing tribal society through market.
to protect tribals from exploitation government has created Trifed to build capacity and market their produce. Msp for mfp.
Case study
Alfred Gell 1982. Dhorai bastar market study. economic functions with forest officials outsiders and also exploitation of tribals. Road open the tribal economy. Rajput and Hindu traders sit at the centre and dominate the market. Hierarchy with tribals lower and outsiders upper position.
Tokapal market jagal pur. Using money freely.
Women sell mahua. Red ants. There is cockfighting.