Concept of tribe

Concept of ‘Tribe’ in the Draft National Tribal Policy

• Author: Vinay Kumar Srivastava

• Published on December 13, 2008, in Economic & Political Weekly

• Overview of two drafts of the National Tribal Policy (NTP) released by different governments.

Introduction

• The two drafts (February 2004 and July 2006) differ significantly.

• The first draft was short, lacking comprehensiveness, neglecting issues like forced migration and violence.

• Aim: Integrate tribes into mainstream society but ended with "assimilation", which is ethically questionable.

• Importance of incorporating the tribal voice into discussions.

Definition of Tribe

• Major concern in tribal studies is the definition of "tribe".

• The draft refers to "scheduled tribes (STs)" which includes approximately 700 communities.

• Debates on the similarities and interactive continuities between tribes and castes.

• The distinctions and overlaps complicate classification.

Tribes and Castes: Identities

• Historical overlaps exist but do not erase differences.

• The Lokur Committee's criteria for defining STs include:

  • Primitive traits

  • Distinctive culture

  • Geographical isolation

  • Shyness of contact with outsiders

  • Backwardness

• Critique of these criteria's relevance today.

Primitive Traits

• Questions about the definition and significance of "primitive traits" arise.

• Historical use of the term "primitive" rooted in colonial ideology.

• Characteristics termed primitive might also exist in affluent societies.

• The need for operational definitions over outdated terminologies.

• Pejorative terminology used for tribes should be replaced with neutral terms.

A Frozen Picture of Tribal Culture

• Critique of romanticized images of tribal communities often used in anthropological writings.

• Tribal societies are not static and are experiencing rapid changes.

• The draft depicts tribes as existing in compact areas with unified cultures, which ignores recent socio-economic realities.

Understanding Tribal Culture

• Tribal cultures today are more complex and should not be seen as isolated or simplistic.

• Anthropological practices have traditionally studied tribes in isolation, missing their interactions with other communities.

• Modern changes require reevaluating the static notions of tribal identities.

Value-Loaded Assumptions

• The draft presents stereotypes about tribal societies that do not reflect the reality.

• Dichotomies between tribal and non-tribal characteristics lead to oversimplified understanding.

• Need to recognize the similarities and modernization in tribal communities.

Negative Attributes

• Tribal societies are not devoid of internal conflicts; issues such as feuds and social hierarchy exist.

• The historical context of tribal societies includes complex relationships which cannot be ignored.

• Modern realities show the changing dynamics under influence from external pressures.

Stigmatisation of Tribes

• The draft recognizes diversity among STs but fails to address the specific challenges of marginalized groups like de-notified communities.

• Stigmatization and socio-economic exploitation of tribes must be addressed in developmental policies.

Primitive Tribal Groups

• Discussion on classifications of "primitive tribal groups" (PTGs) lacks specificity and operational criteria.

• Suggested changes in the perspective of PTGs need careful consideration of their unique challenges.

Conclusions

• Goals include improving the quality of life, equitable distribution of development benefits, and cultural preservation.

• Emphasis on the need for holistic policies that adapt to the evolving nature of tribal societies.

• The importance of avoiding stereotypes and ensuring the voices of tribes are included in policy-making.

Recommendations

• Policymakers should seek genuine engagement with tribal communities to incorporate their perspectives.

• Future strategies should analyze the dynamic nature of tribal life rather than relying on outdated conceptions.