Totopara gets its name from the Toto tribe, one of the smallest tribes in the world. In the 2011 census, their number had increased to 2960 – all living in Totopara. A village with narrow lanes surrounded by hills, which sits just 2km (1.2 miles) from India’s border with Bhutan.
Anthropologists say that the exact history of when and why the Totos settled in Totopara is unclear, but they might have moved here from Bhutan to avoid confrontation with unfriendly, powerful Bhutias during the middle of the 18th century.
The road from the village to Madarihat, the nearest town 21km (13 miles) away, is cratered with potholes and crosses riverbeds that get flooded during the monsoon when Totopara gets cut off from the rest of India.
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During summer riverbed becomes dry when they face water crisis and elephant attacks. According to the people, the massive deforestation has not only led to the substantial loss of flora and fauna but also affected drying of natural streams on which they are dependent for their drinking water. Water crisis is now a major issue there. To cope up with the water issue the village has several common washing areas.
Though the society is patriarchal, women play a significant role in Toto culture. In absence of male partner, women take care of the children and all the daily chores. Even young women walk miles to collect wood for cooking. On the other hand, the aged ones take care of the children at home.
