In the era of Indian history and civilisation, tribals had from time immemorial has great role to play. Despite, they remain a neglected lot. Santals mostly number more than 5 million and shares way of live implying values different from Hindus. They live a very simple and distinct life depends mainly on subsistence farming. They belief in superstition which leads their life in backwardness from mainstream section of society. They are predominant mostly in Jungle Mahal area; Santals lifestyle is agrarian based but equally skilled in various arts and craft containing rich cultural heritage. They possess their own language and script belonging to austro-asiatic language group. Literature on their customs, tradition and culture are scanty. Individuals belonging to this community are deprived of education thus pass on traditions and customs orally from one generation to other. Their cultural performances and practices, their cultural festivals, religious sentiments and related rituals are unique and handcrafted. Their customary medical practices are one of kind. Despite industrialization, modernization Santals have stick to their traditional cultural practices and did not result in change in their daily lifestyle. The study tries to document the rich cultural heritage of Santals and their customary practices, laws and traditions.

Hindus, Jungle Mahal, Tradition, Modernization, Customary.