Marginal Resources and Sustainable Livelihood of Marakallu: The Role of Native Knowledge and Indigenous Technology

Abstract

A case study on the livelihood practices of tradition bound marakallu of Godavari River Island is presented in this paper, wlzich largely depend upon the fishing as their mainstay. In their long history of water resources utilization, developed a body of knowledge, which guides them to successfully manage with the dynamics of estuanJ and maintain their subsistence lnj applying the locally created technologtj. The taboos and local wisdom they follow facilitates them to overcome hurdles and even avert losses and provide them stable livelihood, ensuring the continuihj of resources for future use. The caste based occupational spedalization in a way prevents competition and conflict between marakallu and other caste groups of the island for the same resource.