Ishan BhatnagarAIR 5 · CSE 2025 · 328 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
A.R. Desai points out that tribes in India lie on a spectrum of differential integration in Indian society, making common anthropological features difficult to find. Definitional Problems →
Body · points and prose
rlapping circles:
- Circle 1: Mundas, Santals (partially integrated)
- Circle 2 (Mainstream): Mundas, Meena (totally integrated)
- Small separate circle: Sentlese (isolated)
- Fig: Degrees of integration
Definitional Problems →
- Lack of scholarly consensus: While P.N. Dhangare characterized tribes by their relative isolation, G.S. Ghurye argues that tribes are "backward Hindus" with imperfect integration into Indian society.
- Colonial legacy: classifications of tribes as "criminal", barbarians, primitive → ethnocentric bias promoting white man's burden (Nicholas Dirks). This continued to influence definition that stressed "primitive institutions" etc.
3.> Tribe - Caste Continuum [F.G. Bailey] argued that societies are often not fully tribal-segmental-egalitarian or caste-organic-hierarchical but lie somewhere between the two.
4.> Andre Betelle pointed out the following diversions from the ideal type -
| Ideal type | Counter-example |
|---|---|
| 1> Geographically isolated and tied to their land (Dhangars) | Tribes like Meenas are quite integrated and spread over large parts of India |
| 2> Distinct language, culture, dresses | S.C. Dube has highlighted the parochialization of mainstream culture to tribal society and universalization of tribal customs. |
| • Increasing adoption of Hindi & vernacular language → endangered tribal language. | |
| 3> Egalitarian tribal society (Xaxa) | • Presence of class within tribe, and a tribal elite undermines this ideal type (Xaxa). |
Impact on state policy
1.> Improper classification | Verrier Elwin suggested differential approach → Isolation for isolated tribes
Such differentiations not maintained, leading to improper assimilation ↘ socio-economic development for integrated/assimilated tribes
2.> Cornering of benefits by tribal elite, leading to a tribal middle class and otherization of marginal tribal voices (Xaxa).
3.> Inadequately tailored policies → not respecting distinct social & cultural institution. e.g> Xaxa committee pointed out inadequate devolution to Gram Sabhas etc.
4.> Inadequate protection for marginalized tribes led to feelings of relative deprivation, especially in Central and Eastern India, leading to left wing extremism (Nandini Sundar).
Close · a source
Hence, Surajit Sinha recommends a calibrated governance approach recognizing tribe caste continuum.