Hakka Pikki Tribe [UPSC Current Affairs]

Over 181 members of the Hakki Pikki tribe from Karnataka were stranded in Sudan due to the political unrest in the region. While efforts are being made to bring them back, it is crucial to understand who the Hakki Pikki are and why they travelled so far away. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam current affairs, IR and geography segments.

Who are the Hakki Pikki?

The Hakki Pikki is a semi-nomadic tribe that traditionally engaged in bird catching and hunting. 

• They are primarily found in forest areas across several states in western and southern India, particularly in the Davangere, Mysuru, Kolar, Hassan, and Shivmogga districts of Karnataka. 
• The tribe is divided into four clans – Gujaratia, Panwar, Kaliwala, and Mewaras. 
• The names of these entities vary depending on the region; in northern Karnataka and Maharashtra, they are referred to as Mel-Shikari.

Where is Hakki-Pikki Tribe Found?

The Hakki Pikki community has its origins in the bordering districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

• They migrated to the south in search of game, eventually settling in Karnataka. 
• Their ancestral home was near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, and they are now spread across southern India.

What were their traditional occupations, and what do they do now?

• Traditionally, the Hakki Pikkis lived in forest areas for nine months a year and returned to their permanent camps for three months. Earlier, men hunted while women begged in nearby villages. 
• Due to the implementation of stricter wildlife protection laws, the tribe had to transition from selling wildlife products to marketing other items such as spices, herbal oils, and plastic flowers in nearby temple fairs.
• The herbal oil business took off, and now they sell their products across the globe. 
• Hakki Pikkis in Tamil Nadu travelled to Singapore and Thailand about 20-25 years ago and also discovered a huge demand for Ayurvedic products in African countries. 
• They started selling their products in Africa, and the Karnataka Hakki Pikkis followed them to Africa to sell their products.

What are their rituals and customs?

• They follow Hindu traditions and participate in all Hindu festivals. 
• Hakki Pikkis prefer cross-cousin marriages and are non-vegetarians. 
• In their society, women hold a higher position, and the usual age for marriage is 18 for women and 22 for men. The groom provides a dowry to the bride’s family, and monogamy is the standard practice.

How well do they earn in African countries?

• According to community members, African countries offer them an opportunity to escape poverty faster. 
• The Hakki Pikki products have a significant demand in the African continent. For example, if a person invests Rs 5 lakh on raw materials, they have a chance to double or triple it in a matter of 3-6 months in African countries. 
• However, education levels among the Hakki Pikkis are still low, and only a few members have completed graduation-level courses.

 Conclusion:

• The Hakki Pikki tribe’s journey to Africa is an example of how globalization has opened up new markets for traditional products. 
• However, it also highlights the challenges faced by the tribe due to their low education levels and lack of financial resources. 
• It is essential to take steps to ensure that they are not exploited and receive the necessary support to improve their livelihoods.

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