Analysing the Customary Law of Totemic Species among the Gond Tribes of India

Abstract

Totemism a traditional belief system based on a collection of tangible things that Savage considers with superstitious veneration, generally a species of animal or plant. Totemism functions as both a spiritual belief system and a framework for social organization. Totemism fosters clan unity and regulates relations between clans through mutual respect and protection between individuals and their totems. The Gonds, like other tribes in India, continue to follow their traditional practise of totemistic beliefs. Totemism holds significant importance among the Gond tribes in India. The Gond community has developed certain customary rules protecting their totems. The influence of these totemic beliefs has shaped religion and cultural identity. The present study, therefore, aims to highlight the customary laws associated with totemic beliefs among the Gond tribes in India. The qualitative research data used in this study was gathered from secondary sources, including books, journal articles, and online texts.