Tribes in Transition, authored by Sanjib Chandra Hota and Anil Dhir, concerns the changing social, cultural, and economic circumstances of tribal communities. The theme of tribal transition encompasses the interaction between traditional ways of life and modern influences, including education, development, urbanisation, changing livelihoods, and cultural preservation.

The book’s subject is particularly relevant to understanding tribal communities in Odisha and their distinctive cultural identities, customs, traditions, belief systems, and indigenous knowledge. It also raises broader questions about the challenges tribal societies face as they adapt to changing circumstances while seeking to preserve their heritage and community values.

The study examines the changing identities of the Kandha and Gadaba communities of Odisha, drawing on field research into their customs, practices, languages, lifestyles, habits, and occupations. It documents how modernisation and development influence these communities and underscores the importance of understanding their experiences while safeguarding their distinctive cultural heritage.