Priyamvada Ashok MhaddalkarAIR 13 · CSE 2021 · 178 wordsTheir whole copy
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Body · points
G.S. Ghurye is known as the 'Father of Indian sociology' for his contributions on diverse topics like caste, tribes, kinship groups, etc.
TRIBES Tribes can be explained as a group of people occupying a definite territory and identifying with each other on the basis of common characteristics like culture, etc.
TRIBE - CASTE CONTINUUM → Because there is little consensus on definition of tribes - whether backward, isolated, barbaric, there are diverse opinions on analysis of tribes → G.S. Ghurye explains tribes on the basis of a tribe - caste continuum. → He believes that due to centuries of exposure to the Hindu culture tribes are nothing but 'Backward Caste Hindus'. → He gave examples of Santhals, Bhils, Irulas who are now part of mainstream culture. → However, Verrier Elwin through his work "Loss of Nerve" explains the distinct features of tribal culture and therefore advocates an isolated approach for tribes.
Close · a way forward
Thus, while there is no denying that tribes have a distinct identity, it is important to tread the middle path to ensure secessionist tendencies are not stoked.