BSW-043 Tribals in South and Central India ASSIGNMENTS: 2024-2025 (CTRBS)
Course Code:Â BSW-043Â
Total marks: 100
Note:Â
i) Answer all the five questions.Â
ii) All questions carry equal marks.Â
iii) Answers to questions no. 1 and 2 should not exceed 600 words each.
1. Write a note on the problems and its different perspective on the tribal development issues in Andhra Pradesh.
Ans:-Â Note on Tribal Development Issues in Andhra Pradesh
Tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh constitute a significant portion of the population, primarily residing in hilly and forested regions such as the Eastern Ghats, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and East Godavari districts. While the state and central governments have initiated various developmental programs, numerous challenges persist in improving the socio-economic conditions of these communities.
Key Problems in Tribal Development
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Land Alienation:
Tribal people often lose their land due to industrial projects, non-tribal encroachments, and development initiatives. This disrupts their traditional livelihood practices like agriculture and shifts them into insecure economic conditions. -
Displacement and Rehabilitation:
Large-scale development projects such as dams, mining, and industrial zones often displace tribal populations, leading to inadequate or delayed rehabilitation measures. -
Exploitation by Non-Tribals:
Many tribal people are subjected to economic exploitation by moneylenders, traders, and middlemen who take advantage of their lack of awareness regarding laws and market prices. -
Lack of Access to Basic Amenities:
Despite government schemes, many tribal areas lack access to education, healthcare, potable water, sanitation, and electricity, further isolating them from mainstream society. -
Cultural Erosion:
Modernization and assimilation policies sometimes result in the erosion of tribal customs, languages, and cultural practices. -
Environmental Degradation:
Mining and deforestation in tribal areas adversely affect their ecological balance and traditional way of life, creating additional socio-economic pressures. -
Policy Implementation Challenges:
Schemes like Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) and Forest Rights Act (FRA) often face issues such as bureaucratic delays, corruption, and inadequate participation of tribal communities in decision-making.
Different Perspectives on Tribal Development Issues
-
Government Perspective:
The government emphasizes economic integration through welfare schemes like education scholarships, healthcare initiatives, and skill-development programs. It promotes tribal welfare through agencies like ITDA and Scheduled Tribe Sub Plans (STSP). -
Tribal Perspective:
Tribals often prioritize preserving their cultural heritage, land rights, and autonomy. Development programs that do not respect their traditions or involve them in planning are met with resistance. -
Social Activists and NGOs:
Social activists advocate for participatory development that respects tribal autonomy, focuses on land and forest rights, and ensures environmental sustainability. They also emphasize proper rehabilitation for displaced communities. -
Economic Perspective:
Economists argue for sustainable development models that balance tribal welfare with industrial and infrastructural growth, ensuring employment opportunities and economic upliftment without exploitation. -
Environmental Perspective:
Environmentalists emphasize conserving forest areas and natural ecosystems, which are essential for the survival of tribal communities. They oppose deforestation and mining projects that harm tribal habitats.
OR
Life Situation of the Sentinelese
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Isolation:
The Sentinelese have lived in isolation for thousands of years, avoiding contact with the outside world. They are protected under Indian laws that prohibit any approach to their island to preserve their way of life and health, as they lack immunity to common diseases. -
Subsistence Lifestyle:
Their life is primarily hunter-gatherer-based. They rely on fishing, hunting, and gathering wild fruits and roots from the dense forests of their island. -
Social Structure:
The Sentinelese are believed to live in small groups with a simple social structure. They exhibit cooperative living, sharing responsibilities like food collection, tool-making, and maintaining their huts. -
Hostility Toward Outsiders:
They have consistently resisted outside contact, often greeting intruders with hostility. This behavior is interpreted as a means to safeguard their independence and prevent external interference.
Material Culture of the Sentinelese
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Housing:
They live in simple huts made of locally available materials like bamboo and leaves. These huts are often temporary structures suited to their nomadic lifestyle on the island. -
Tools and Weapons:
The Sentinelese use handmade tools such as bows, arrows, and spears for hunting and self-defense. They also craft canoes for fishing in shallow waters. -
Clothing and Ornaments:
They wear minimal clothing, typically using leaves and natural materials as adornments. Body paint and ornaments made from shells and plant fibers are believed to play a role in their cultural expression. -
Diet:
Their diet consists of fish, wild pigs, turtles, honey, and wild fruits. They are skilled in fishing and hunting small animals using their traditional weapons. -
No Evidence of Agriculture:
Unlike some other tribes, the Sentinelese do not practice agriculture, relying entirely on natural resources for sustenance.
2. Describe the tribal pattern existing in Jharkhand.
Ans:-Â Tribal Pattern in Jharkhand
Jharkhand, often referred to as the "Land of Forests," has a rich tribal heritage and is home to a significant population of Scheduled Tribes (STs). The tribal communities of Jharkhand have distinct socio-cultural patterns, deeply rooted in their traditions, customs, and dependence on nature.
Key Tribal Groups in Jharkhand
Jharkhand has 32 recognized Scheduled Tribes, with the major groups being:
-
Santhals:
The largest tribal group in Jharkhand, primarily settled in the eastern districts. They are known for their agrarian lifestyle, vibrant festivals (e.g., Sohrai and Baha), and resistance against colonial exploitation, exemplified by the Santhal Rebellion (1855-56). -
Mundas:
Inhabiting the Chotanagpur Plateau, the Mundas practice settled agriculture and have a unique social governance system led by the "Munda" or village headman. They are also known for their role in the tribal uprisings, like the Ulgulan movement led by Birsa Munda. -
Oraons:
Found mainly in Ranchi, Gumla, and Lohardaga districts, Oraons are skilled in agriculture and forest-based livelihoods. They are known for their Sarna religious practices and traditional dances like Karma and Jhumar. -
Ho:
Concentrated in West Singhbhum and East Singhbhum, the Ho tribe is closely related to the Mundas and Santhals. They primarily depend on agriculture and forest resources and celebrate festivals like Mage Parab. -
Kharias, Asurs, and Birhors:
These are smaller tribes with distinct cultural identities. The Birhors, for instance, are nomadic hunters and gatherers, while the Asurs are known for their traditional iron smelting.
Socio-Cultural Patterns of Tribes in Jharkhand
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Livelihood:
Most tribal communities rely on agriculture, forest products, and animal husbandry. Shifting cultivation, known as jhum, is practiced in some areas. -
Religious Beliefs:
Tribes in Jharkhand predominantly follow Sarna Dharma, which centers on nature worship. Sacred groves (Sarna) and community deities play a vital role in their religious practices. -
Social Structure:
Tribal societies in Jharkhand are egalitarian, with strong communal bonds. Decision-making is often governed by a traditional council known as Parha Panchayat or the village headman. -
Festivals and Rituals:
Tribes celebrate festivals tied to agricultural cycles, such as Sarhul, Karma, and Sohrai. These festivals involve music, dance, and rituals that emphasize their connection to nature. -
Language:
Tribal languages such as Santhali, Mundari, Ho, and Kurukh are widely spoken, reflecting their cultural diversity. -
Art and Craft:
Jharkhand’s tribes are known for their exquisite handicrafts, including Paitkar paintings, stone carvings, and bamboo crafts. Traditional musical instruments like Mandar and Nagara are integral to their cultural identity. -
Dress and Ornaments:
Tribes wear simple, handmade garments, often decorated with vibrant patterns. Ornaments made from beads, shells, and metals are common among both men and women.
Contemporary Issues and Challenges
-
Land Alienation:
Tribal lands are often encroached upon for industrial and mining activities, leading to displacement and loss of livelihoods. -
Economic Exploitation:
Many tribes face exploitation by moneylenders, traders, and middlemen in the absence of economic awareness. -
Loss of Culture:
Modernization and urbanization are eroding traditional tribal customs and languages. -
Poor Access to Resources:
Despite government schemes, tribal areas often lack access to quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Or
Tribes in Puducherry
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Kurumbar:
- The Kurumbar tribe is one of the notable tribal groups in Puducherry.
- They primarily reside in the hilly and forested regions and are traditionally associated with hunting and gathering, though many have shifted to agriculture and labor-oriented occupations.
- Their cultural practices often revolve around nature worship, and they have their own distinct customs and traditions.
-
Irular:
- The Irular tribe is a significant Scheduled Tribe in Puducherry, primarily inhabiting rural and forested areas.
- Traditionally, the Irulars were involved in snake and rat catching, as well as fishing and collecting forest produce.
- In modern times, many have transitioned to agricultural labor and other menial jobs.
- The community speaks the Irula language, a Dravidian language, though many also speak Tamil.
-
Kattunayakan:
- The Kattunayakan are a small tribal group found in Puducherry, especially in the forested areas.
- They are traditionally hunter-gatherers and are known for their deep connection to forests.
- The Kattunayakan tribe worships nature and practices animism, with sacred groves and forest deities playing a central role in their spiritual lives.
-
Others:
- Some smaller tribal groups, such as the Malai Kuravar and Yanadis, are also present in and around the Puducherry region.
- These groups share common features of a close relationship with nature and forest-based subsistence practices.
Socio-Economic Conditions of Tribes in Puducherry
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Livelihood:
The tribes rely on traditional practices such as fishing, gathering forest products, and labor-intensive occupations. Many have transitioned to agricultural labor due to deforestation and limited access to natural resources. -
Education:
Educational attainment among tribal groups is relatively low, although government schemes are being implemented to improve literacy rates and provide scholarships for tribal children. -
Healthcare:
Access to healthcare services is limited, with many tribes relying on traditional medicine and local healers for treatment. Efforts are underway to provide better medical facilities in tribal areas. -
Cultural Practices:
Tribal communities in Puducherry maintain a rich cultural heritage with unique rituals, festivals, and oral traditions. However, modernization and assimilation into mainstream society pose challenges to the preservation of their cultural identity.
Challenges Faced by Tribes in Puducherry
-
Marginalization:
Tribes in Puducherry often face socio-economic marginalization and lack adequate representation in policymaking. -
Land and Resource Issues:
Encroachment on traditional lands and restricted access to forest resources have disrupted their traditional way of life. -
Modernization:
The integration of tribal communities into mainstream society has led to the erosion of their unique cultural identity. -
Low Awareness of Welfare Schemes:
Many tribal families are unaware of the benefits provided under government welfare schemes, leading to underutilization of resources allocated for their development.
3. Answer any two of the following questions in about 300 words each:
i) Discuss the present scenario of tribes in West Bengal. Â
ii) What have been the government’s efforts for the development of the Jarawas?Â
iii) Describe in brief the Dalit caste found in Tamil Nadu.
iv) Write a short note about the ‘Hakkipikki’ tribes.Â
i) Discuss the Present Scenario of Tribes in West Bengal
West Bengal is home to a diverse population of Scheduled Tribes (STs), constituting about 5.8% of the state's total population (Census 2011). The major tribes include the Santhals, Oraons, Mundas, Lohars, and Mahalis, primarily concentrated in the districts of Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, and Jalpaiguri.
Socio-Economic Conditions
-
Livelihood:
Most tribes in West Bengal rely on agriculture, forest produce, and daily wage labor. A significant number of tribal people also work in tea gardens, particularly in the northern districts. However, limited access to modern farming techniques and land ownership has kept them economically marginalized. -
Education:
While literacy rates among tribal communities have improved, they still lag behind the state average. Educational challenges include high dropout rates, lack of proper infrastructure, and language barriers, as most tribes have their own dialects. -
Healthcare:
Tribes face inadequate healthcare facilities, leading to high infant mortality and malnutrition rates. Dependency on traditional medicine remains prevalent due to limited access to modern healthcare services. -
Cultural Practices:
Tribal communities in West Bengal retain rich cultural traditions, with music, dance, and festivals like Karam and Bandna being integral to their identity. However, modernization poses a threat to their cultural preservation.
Challenges
-
Land Alienation:
Tribal lands are often encroached upon for industrial and development projects, leading to displacement and loss of livelihood. -
Unemployment:
Lack of skill development and limited industrial growth in tribal areas have resulted in widespread unemployment among tribal youth. -
Government Initiatives:
Efforts like the Forest Rights Act, Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan, and targeted welfare schemes are in place but face challenges such as bureaucratic delays and inadequate implementation.
Conclusion
The tribal population in West Bengal continues to face socio-economic and cultural challenges despite governmental efforts. A focused approach toward education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihood generation is necessary to ensure inclusive development.
ii) What Have Been the Government’s Efforts for the Development of the Jarawas?
The Jarawas are an indigenous tribe of the Andaman Islands, primarily residing in the forests of South and Middle Andaman. They are a protected tribe under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 (PAT Regulation), which safeguards their traditional way of life and prevents external interference.
Key Government Efforts
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Legal Protection:
- The government strictly enforces the PAT Regulation, prohibiting unauthorized entry into Jarawa territory.
- Tourism and commercial exploitation near their reserve areas have been restricted, with penalties for violators.
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Buffer Zones:
A Buffer Zone was created around Jarawa habitats to minimize external influence and protect their ecosystem. This includes bans on settlement, logging, and other developmental activities in the zone. -
Jarawa Policy of 2004:
The policy emphasizes non-intervention in the Jarawas’ lives, advocating for a hands-off approach to allow them to sustain their traditional lifestyle. -
Health Measures:
The government provides healthcare facilities for emergencies, such as outbreaks of diseases. Special medical teams monitor the Jarawas’ health to prevent the spread of infections from outsiders. -
Ban on the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR):
The ATR, which cuts through Jarawa territory, has been regulated to minimize contact between the tribe and outsiders. Efforts have been made to create alternative routes to reduce interference. -
Community Awareness Programs:
Awareness campaigns among settlers and tourists educate them about respecting the Jarawas and the importance of their cultural preservation.
Challenges
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, such as illegal poaching, occasional violations of the buffer zone regulations, and health vulnerabilities due to contact with outsiders.
i) What is distinct about the Gonds tribe?
The Gonds are one of the largest tribal communities in India, primarily inhabiting the central Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Their distinct features include:
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Culture and Religion:
Gonds practice nature worship and follow animistic beliefs, worshiping deities like Pharsa Pen and clan-specific gods. Festivals like Keslapur Jatra and Pola are integral to their culture. -
Art and Craft:
They are famous for Gond art, a traditional painting style characterized by intricate patterns and depictions of flora, fauna, and folklore. -
Social Structure:
Gond society is organized into clans, with strict adherence to customs and traditions. They have a rich oral tradition of storytelling and folk songs. -
Lifestyle:
The Gonds primarily rely on agriculture, forest produce, and animal husbandry for their livelihood.
Their unique cultural practices and vibrant art distinguish them from other tribal communities.
ii) Explain the cultural elements of tribals in Kerala.
The tribes of Kerala, such as the Irular, Paniyas, Kurichiyas, and Muthuvans, showcase rich cultural diversity.
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Language:
Tribes often have their own dialects, though many have adopted Malayalam for communication. -
Festivals:
Tribal festivals are nature-centric and tied to agricultural cycles. Celebrations like Onakkali and Kaliyattam are prominent. -
Art Forms:
Traditional tribal dance forms like Kambala and Elelakkaradi reflect their close bond with nature. -
Religion and Beliefs:
Tribals practice animism and nature worship, revering mountains, rivers, and forests as sacred. Rituals and sacrifices are integral to their spiritual life. -
Livelihood:
Tribes depend on forest produce, shifting cultivation, and hunting. Their material culture includes bamboo crafts, pottery, and tools made from forest resources.
iii) Describe the position of Onge women within their community.
The Onge tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the Andaman Islands, follows a largely egalitarian social structure, giving women a respected role in the community.
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Economic Role:
Onge women contribute significantly to subsistence activities, such as gathering fruits, fishing, and preparing food. -
Social Status:
Women are integral to decision-making within families and participate actively in community rituals and ceremonies. -
Cultural Significance:
They play a key role in preserving Onge traditions, songs, and stories, passing them down to future generations. -
Challenges:
Despite their role, Onge women face challenges due to declining population, health issues, and cultural assimilation pressures.
Onge women are crucial to sustaining the tribe’s cultural identity while navigating modern challenges.
iv) Is there health and nutritional problems among the tribals of Maharashtra? Explain.
Yes, tribal communities in Maharashtra, such as the Bhils, Warlis, and Gonds, face significant health and nutritional challenges:
-
Malnutrition:
High rates of malnutrition among tribal children and women are linked to poverty, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to nutritious food. -
Health Issues:
Diseases such as anemia, tuberculosis, and malaria are prevalent due to poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare services. -
Infrastructure Deficits:
Tribal areas often lack basic healthcare infrastructure, and outreach programs fail to reach remote regions effectively. -
Government Interventions:
Programs like the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and nutritional schemes like Anganwadi services aim to improve health outcomes, but challenges remain in implementation.
Addressing these issues requires sustained efforts in healthcare delivery, education, and nutritional awareness.
v) Express freely the cultural aspects of tribals in Karnataka.
The tribal communities of Karnataka, such as the Soligas, Koragas, and Hakki Pikkis, exhibit rich cultural traditions:
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Festivals:
Tribes celebrate festivals like Huthri, a harvest festival, with dance, music, and rituals. -
Art and Music:
Folk songs, dances, and traditional instruments like the dolu and kombu are integral to tribal culture. -
Lifestyle:
Tribes are closely connected to nature, depending on forest resources for food and livelihood. They practice traditional medicine using herbs. -
Religion:
Nature worship and animism are central, with deities like Betta Devaru and sacred groves being significant.
Despite modern influences, Karnataka’s tribes preserve their unique cultural identity through their traditional practices.
vi) What are the three dangers posed to the Shompen tribe?
The Shompen, an indigenous tribe of the Nicobar Islands, face several existential threats:
-
Health Vulnerabilities:
Contact with outsiders exposes them to diseases for which they have little immunity, posing a severe risk to their population. -
Encroachment and Habitat Loss:
Development activities, such as infrastructure projects and deforestation, threaten their natural habitat and way of life. -
Cultural Assimilation:
Increasing external influence disrupts their traditional practices, leading to the erosion of their unique cultural identity.
Efforts to protect the Shompen require strict enforcement of regulations, habitat preservation, and minimizing external contact.
5. Write short notes on any five of the following in about 100 words each:
i). Arboriculture.Â
ii) Toda Tribes.Â
iii) Naya.
iv) Apiculture.Â
v). Chik Baraik tribes.
vi) List any five tribal languages of Tamil Nadu.
vii) Food culture of the Bhutia tribes.Â
viii) The Jawaras and the Reserve.Â
Ans:-Â
i) Arboriculture
Arboriculture refers to the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. It focuses on the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of trees in urban and rural settings. Arboriculture includes practices like pruning, planting, pest control, and soil management. Unlike forestry, which deals with large-scale tree management for timber, arboriculture prioritizes ornamental and functional purposes. It plays a vital role in urban landscaping, environmental conservation, and mitigating climate change by enhancing green cover and biodiversity.
ii) Toda Tribes
The Todas are an indigenous tribal group inhabiting the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. They are known for their distinct culture, unique architecture, and traditional pastoral economy centered on buffalo herding. Toda huts are semicircular, barrel-shaped structures made from bamboo and grass. Their embroidery, known as Pukhoor, is a significant art form. The Todas practice a polyandrous marriage system and follow a religion based on nature worship, with sacred dairies playing a central role. Despite modernization, the Toda community strives to preserve its rich cultural heritage.
iii) Naya
The term Naya refers to a traditional tribal self-governance system practiced by many tribal communities in India. It functions as a village council or informal judiciary responsible for resolving disputes, maintaining law and order, and ensuring social harmony. The Naya system operates based on customary laws and oral traditions rather than formal legal frameworks. Members of the Naya council are usually elders or respected individuals within the tribe. This system reflects the communal and collective decision-making ethos of tribal societies.
iv) Apiculture
Apiculture, also known as beekeeping, is the practice of rearing and maintaining bee colonies to produce honey, beeswax, and other by-products. It is an essential agricultural activity that contributes to pollination, enhancing crop yields and biodiversity. Apiculture requires setting up artificial hives and ensuring the safety and well-being of bees. It is widely practiced in both rural and urban areas due to its economic and ecological benefits. Beekeeping supports sustainable livelihoods and plays a crucial role in environmental conservation.
v) Chik Baraik Tribes
The Chik Baraik tribe is an indigenous community primarily found in Jharkhand and parts of Odisha. Traditionally, they were weavers by profession, creating fabrics from locally sourced raw materials. Over time, many shifted to agriculture and labor-intensive occupations due to declining demand for traditional weaving. The Chik Baraik tribe has a rich cultural heritage, including folk songs, dances, and oral traditions. Their primary language is Kurukh, although many also speak Hindi or other regional languages. Socio-economic challenges persist, despite government efforts for their development.
vi) Five Tribal Languages of Tamil Nadu
- Irula
- Kurumba
- Badaga
- Kota
- Toda
These languages are primarily spoken by the tribal communities residing in the Nilgiri Hills and surrounding regions. They are part of the Dravidian language family and have distinct linguistic features and oral traditions.
vii) Food Culture of the Bhutia Tribes
The Bhutia tribes, predominantly found in Sikkim, have a food culture deeply influenced by their Tibetan origins. Their staple diet includes tsampa (roasted barley flour), rice, and noodles. Popular dishes include momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and gundruk (fermented leafy vegetables). Dairy products, especially from yak milk, are widely consumed. Butter tea, locally known as po cha, is a traditional beverage. Their diet reflects a reliance on locally available ingredients and techniques suited to high-altitude living.
viii) The Jarawas and the Reserve
The Jarawas are an indigenous tribe residing in the forests of South and Middle Andaman. They live within a protected area known as the Jarawa Reserve, established under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956. The reserve safeguards their habitat and traditional lifestyle by restricting outsider access. The Jarawas rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. Despite protection, the reserve faces threats from encroachments, tourism, and illegal activities, posing risks to their culture and survival.
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