The Department of Anthropology at Karnatak University, Dharwad, will take up ethnographic studies of various nomadic and semi-nomadic communities.

The Department of Anthropology at Karnatak University, Dharwad (KUD), will take up ethnographic studies of various nomadic and semi-nomadic communities, along with those of weaving communities in the State.

KUD Vice-Chancellor A.M. Khan told reporters in Dharwad on February 20 that the government had sanctioned grants of around ₹99.77 lakh to take up various studies. “The studies will begin soon and their final reports are expected to be submitted to the government within a year,’’ Prof. Khan said.

“The department of Backward Classes Welfare has sanctioned several research projects for ethnographic studies of the Nekara community and its sub-sects across the State. The project will be led by Department of Anthropology chairman T.T. Basavangouda as project director and is scheduled to be completed within 12 months,” the Vice-Chancellor said, adding that a grant of ₹53.90 lakh has been sanctioned for the study.

“The government has also commissioned an ethnographic study of the Durga Murga community, with a sanctioned grant of ₹21.78 lakh. In addition, the Anthropology Department will undertake studies on the Byragi and Darvesh communities. S.B. Sugandhi will lead these projects, which are also expected to be completed within 12 months. A grant of ₹12.04 lakh has been allocated for the Byragi community studies,’’ Mr. Khan stated.

Prof. Basavangouda said that last year, the Backward Classes Welfare Department had commissioned an ethnographic study of the Nadaf/Pinjar community, with a grant of ₹45.36 lakh. The department, along with 23 research scholars, conducted field visits across 21 districts and prepared a draft report.

He said the Nadaf/Pinjar community, traditionally engaged in cotton carding (pinjar) and barbering (nadaf/nayinda), was classified under Category I of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). “The community faces significant social and economic challenges due to limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The study recommended skill-based training and financial support to modernise traditional cotton-carding practices to improve efficiency and competitiveness. It also suggests providing land for constructing ventilated storage godowns and promoting alternative livelihood opportunities. Financial assistance and training for small-scale enterprises — such as mat-making, doormat production, and broom-making — especially for women, have also been recommended. To encourage education among community members, the report recommends enhanced scholarships and financial aid for students,’’ he said.