Culture and Commons: Story of Enamarivaripalle in Andhra Pradesh

[Aryan]

The idea of the commons or shared resources can take on different meanings and applications in various cultures. The use, management, and protection of common resources within a given
community are all influenced by cultural values, beliefs, and practices. This is known as the
“cultural dependence on commons.” For instance, the commons may be regarded as sacred
areas in some indigenous cultures, which should be revered and preserved for future
generations. The use of the commons may be governed by informal institutions like community
leaders or elders as well as by traditional knowledge and practices that have been handed down
through the generations.

During my field visit to Enamarivaripalle, one of the habitations in Reddipalle revenue village
in Nallamada Mandal in Andhra Pradesh, the Secretary of the Enamarivaripalle Ummadi
Vanarula Abhivruddhi Samithi, and some members of the village community were asked
questions about dependence and management of commons before entry into the Prohibitory
Order Books, coupled with questions about the formation of the village institution and the
socio-economic factors embedded within the village community. Questions about the cultural
reliance on commons were also posed to them in support of the same. A compelling testimony
was captured.

Shree Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple has been built at the base (or relatively close to)
of the Nella Konda, commons in Enamarivaripalle that spans a vast area of 361.54 acres. There is a pit behind this temple. You might ask, “What’s so
interesting about that?”. Despite adverse weather, it is always filled with water. The villagers’
conclusion about the matter is consistent with the idea and reality of a supreme, divine power
providing them with water (although a relatively small amount, it can be used for drinking) all
year round. The testimony’s discussion of “Jaathre” is another intriguing feature, since jaathre is a manifestation of common culture. Numerous
Jaathre is held in the village each year. One Jaathre stands out the most, though. Every year,
during the time of Ugadi, a pit fills up with water near a boulder southwest of the temple and
that initiates the commemoration of the Jaathre (name not known), again conforming to the
idea of the divine, supreme power of the God near those commons.

Overall, the cultural dependence on commons emphasizes the significance of acknowledging
the various ways that various cultures understand and relate to shared resources, as well as the
need for inclusive and participatory processes that take local knowledge and values into
account when managing and protecting these resources.

[Author]

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