Functions of Dormitories

FUNCTIONS OF DORMITORIES

Dormitory is a place where the youth organizations of the tribes are housed. The origin of dormitory was mainly to fulfill the aim of protecting the young members of the tribe from the attack of wild animals. It is no denying fact that they are the centers of cultural performances and mutual exchange.

The following are the functions of dormitory.

1. Teaching the youth about traditions, norms, ideals, religious beliefs, methods of earning a livelihood, etc.

2. Helping in collecting edible things and imparting to consolidate economic organization.

3. Educating boys and girls in social and other duties and imparting them education in the matter of sex.

4. Following the custom of endogamy.

5. Helping in putting control over the movement of women, limited and controlled.

In fact, as has been rightly pointed out by Elwin, the condition of the social organization of a tribal group can be rightly estimated from the condition of its youth dormitory, which is the centre of the maintenance and development of its culture.