The book focuses on the transition of a food gathering tribe living in the rain shadow area of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. In the present study the case of Paliyan tribe is taken up to assess the impact of changing ecology and economy and the extent of developmental process initiated by both government and non-government agencies to bring them into the national mainstream along with the degree of success or failure in their efforts. The book is spread over six chapters apart from the introduction. It deals in detail with the socio-economic life of Paliyans in two contrasting socio-religious and ecological settings. This book is useful to anthropologists, sociologists, ecologists, historians, policy makers, non-governmental organizations and others interested in the issue of tribal development. About the Author: Bibhu K. Mohanty (b.1967) completed his Master’s Degree, M. Phil and Ph. D in Anthropology from University of Madras. He Joined Anthropological Survey of India as a Junior Research Fellow at Mysore and subsequently served in the posts of Research Associate ( at Jagdalpur), Assistant keeper ( at Jagdalpur), Assistant Anthropologist ( at Udaipur, Nagpur, and Kolkata). He was on deputation in the post of Assistant Director with Directorate of Census Operations, Odisha. Presently, he is serving as Anthropologist and Head of Office of Western Regional Centre, Anthropological Survey of India located at Udaipur. In close association with Dr. K. S Singh, General Editor, People of India project, Dr. Mohanty edited the Madhya Pradesh State volume of People of India series. Having worked in Tamil Nadu, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan in various national and other projects Dr. Mohanty is pursuing research on development and ecological issues, crafts and craftsmanship, health and demographic issues, etc.