AGPE THE ROYAL GONDWANA RESEARCH JOURNAL OF HISTORY, SCIENCE, ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

TRIBAL SETTLEMENTS AND ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICES IN THE HILLS OF SOUTHERN TAMIL NADU

E SUBASH — 2025-07-20

The untouched architectural practices of the Kani, Paliyan, Malasar and Muthuvan tribes living in the Western Ghats and Agasthiyamalai ranges are studied in conjunction with their ecology and culture. The undisturbed tribal villages in the Southern hillocks of Tamil Nadu showcase an unparalleled craftsmanship of nature using resources such as bamboo, thatch, and mud, adeptly creating structures in perfect harmony with the environment. Ethno sociological elements such as sacred groves, ritual spaces, the socio religious identity of the community as well as their socio-religious practices mark their living identity and its remnants. Colonization and contemporary issues such as displacement, assimilation, and environmental degradation from modern housing additions also receive a glimpse in the study. This work emphasizes the tribal sustainable eco-practices as wisdom along with the need to preserve and safeguard indigenous architectural knowledge for future generations through its historical narratives, field descriptions and local earshot account.

VICTIM-OFFENDER RELATIONSHIP IN CRIMES AGAINST SCHEDULED TRIBES

Vikas Kumar Sharma — 2025-07-20

The victims of Scheduled Tribes are the individuals who suffer harm, exploitation, or injustice due to their socio-economic disadvantages, geographical isolation, and historical marginalization. Understanding the relationship between victims and offenders plays a vital role in criminological research, as it reveals the interactions that lead to crime. Factors such as poverty, illiteracy, and a lack of legal awareness make tribal communities more vulnerable, which ultimately hinders their access to justice. As we know, the Indian Criminal Justice System has always been centered around the offenders. However, the rights and rehabilitation of the victim, who has to live with the consequences of the crime, have been rarely overlooked. The System's focus must shift equally from punishing the offender to protecting the victim’s rights. Their representation, compensation, and assistance also needed to be given a higher priority. This research was conducted among 304 victims across all twelve tehsils of the Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh. As per the SC & ST (PoA) Act, 1989, all victims were generally victimized in two forms, i.e., heinous or serious in nature. The study aims to find out the victim-offender relationship in the commission of a crime and to reveal the major reasons for the victimization of a crime. The samples were collected using a survey method to gather comprehensive data for the in-depth study. The findings indicate that 31.9% of the victims were criminalized by their neighbors, and 26% of the offenders committed the crime due to personal enmity with the victims. The study suggests that literacy, employment, and legal awareness can help reduce instances of victimization in the tribal regions of India.

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH JUDICIAL ACTION: AN ANALYSIS OF COURT-LED LEGAL REFORMS IN INDIA

Barnali Devi — 2025-07-20

This paper explores the significant role of the Indian judiciary in promoting women's empowerment and ensuring gender justice in a patriarchal society. Despite a comprehensive legal framework aimed at safeguarding women’s rights, enforcement remains weak. Through judicial activism and transformative interpretations of the Constitution, the judiciary has addressed legislative gaps and systemic discrimination. Landmark judgments such as Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan, Air India v. Nargesh Meerza, and Shah Bano v. Mohammed Ahmed Khan exemplify the courts’ intervention in areas including workplace safety, personal liberty, maintenance rights, and employment equality. The judiciary has often acted where the legislature failed to respond effectively. However, challenges such as judicial bias and limited application to personal laws persist. This study highlights the judiciary’s dual role as a protector and promoter of women's rights and argues for institutional sensitization to ensure consistent and inclusive justice for all women.