UNIT 1 TRIBAL STUDIES: EVOLUTION,

NATURE AND SCOPE

Structure
1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Meaning and Concept of Tribal Study
1.3 Evolution and Genesis
1.4 Nature of Tribal Studies
1.5 Tribal Studies as a Discipline
1.6 Relevance of Tribal Studies in Today’s Context
1.7 Challenges Ahead
1.8 Let Us Sum Up
1.9 Further Readings and References

1.0 OBJECTIVES
Scheduled Tribe is one of the most backward classes in India. They are also
known as adivasis; a heterogeneous set of ethnic and tribal groups claimed to be
the aboriginal population of India. They are also known as indigenous population
in India. Scheduled Tribe is the most backward classes in India in many aspects
e.g. social, economic, etc, and they constitute nearly eight percent (8%) of India’s
total population. The Government of India is trying to bring these tribes at par with
the rest of the population in the country in terms of mainstream development.
After reading this unit you will able:
 To understand the evolution and genesis of Tribal Studies in India;
 To develop an understanding of the tribes, their problems and issues affecting
the development process in India;
 To acquaint the learners with the field of tribal studies and how it influence
the development process; and
 To gain an insight into development perspective with regard to tribes and
those residing in the far flung areas in particular.

1.1 INTRODUCTION
As we know, anthropology has various fields of study such as physical anthropology,
linguistic anthropology, cultural anthropology and social anthropology. Tribal study
has strengthened social anthropology to a great extent since its inception. Since
the Independence of India, there are sustained efforts of the government to bring
the tribal at par with the rest of the people in India in every sphere of their life.
Tribals are the most backward classes in India and they represent the poorest of
the poor among the weaker sections. They have their own distinct system of 5
Tribal Studies culture, social structure, polity, economy, education, etc., which needs to be
upgraded in the age of modernization and globalization. As a result they are far
behind in every spheres viz. education, health, polity etc. There is a need to
develop those tribes in education, health and other programmes at par with the
rest of the population in India. After Independence, India started experiments
related to the welfare and development without much success. At present, efforts
have been made to empower the tribals through various projects and plans. They
have been involved in various projects as stakeholders and their participation is
ensured by the Government of India and other state Governments. There is a need
to train and orient them towards the technological advancement and development
initiatives of the government and they should be involved in training, action research,
extension, documentation and dissemination for their betterment, which in turn
would ensure the overall development of our country. The nation also should
involve endeavoring and facilitating them with a valuable environment and work
towards developing their natural potential so that they can be a part of nation
building.
However, it is not possible to study them meaningfully without a qualitative appraisal
and understanding of their limitations, especially in a field of tribal studies. Several
studies were conducted which revealed that there were many issues related to
tribals, that needed attention. Some of these are:
 They lacked organizations in groups and consequently isolated;
 They had no access to credit or resources;
 They lacked education, vocational training and skills to earn to livelihood;
 Adequate medical facilities were not available, leading to high mortality;
 There is lack of good roads for speedy transportation;
In case of life situations, social support measures are inadequate in tribal areas,
e.g. widowhood or disability etc.

1.2 MEANING AND CONCEPT OF TRIBAL

STUDIES
The concept of tribal studies emerged in the colonial period in India; but the
practice of tribal studies was continuing as a part of anthropology since its inception.
The growth of tribal studies has different dimensions and it is inter-disciplinary in
character. It strengthened to understand the issues relating to tribal development
from different angles in this era of globalization. The process is understood by
integrating history, political sciences, economics, social work, sociology and
anthropology to the study of tribal in the present day context. The ‘other culture’
is a core area of tribal studies. It can be broadly understood by the concept of
rationality of western ideology that broadened the scope through the study of
tribal community.
According to Andre Beteille, people having their own dialects that separates them
from non-tribes, practice and follow their own religion and beliefs which are not
common in Hinduism. Language is a criterion of difference as tribes speak their
local dialect for example Mundas and Oraons of Chota Nagpur speak different
dialects but Bhumij have lost their tribal dialect and speak dominant language of
the area.
6
Max Weber emphasized that social structure where when an Indian tribe loses its Tribal Studies: Evolution,
Nature and Scope
territorial significance it assumes the form of an Indian caste. But tribe is a local
group whereas caste is a social group. According to D.N Majumdar, the tribe
come across Hindu ritualism as foreign and extra -religious even though pander to
it as in the worship of God and Goddess whereas in the caste these are necessary
part of the religion.
The term “tribes” is used as synonymous of Indigenous peoples. It includes the
people, communities, and nations who claim a historical continuity and cultural
affinity with societies predating contact with Western culture. They themselves
consider their local cultures to be definitely separate from modern cultures and
many continue to assert their autonomy and right to cultural self-determination.
However, terms for indigenous people include aborigines, aboriginal people, native
people, first people, fourth world cultures and autochthonous. “Indigenous peoples”
is the most recent and neutrally-worded term, and it is the preferred term in use
by the United Nations and its subsidiary organizations.
The tribal studies undertake extensive studies on tribals and their problems with
the sole object of supplementing the efforts of Government of India and the state
Governments in the sphere of socio-economic development of tribals in this area
of their predominance which is an embodiment of tribal problems.
The main objectives of tribal studies are to formulate and undertake projects and
programmes on tribal studies and research for promotion of tribal art, culture,
tradition and heritage and their preservation and promotion; to undertake projects
for improving agricultural and horticultural productivity of tribal people; to organize
training programmes for economic empowerment of the tribal people, particularly
tribal women and organize seminars/workshops/conferences on the problems and
issues of the tribal people and disseminate the same.

1.3 EVOLUTION AND GENESIS

A tribal study is a part of anthropology since the inception of anthropology. During
the pre-Independence India, the colonial realm has given emphasis to study the
tribal with the aim of proper administrative functions and conversion. Many colonial
rulers have tried to document their culture, social structure, beliefs and value
system of the society and the term tribal study has been conceived. But there is
not much academic interest shown for the growth and development of the concept
during the period.
After Independence of India, many universities were established to expand the
higher education and anthropology became one of the important subjects of
specialization in higher education. And tribal studies are one of the important areas
of anthropology discipline. Added to this, welfare and development of tribals has
been an important intervention of the Government in India. Therefore, various
Government and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) have shown interests in
research on tribals and highlighted the various problems that exist in their society
(ies). But during the period of 1990s, many Indian Universities have established
the department for tribal studies. For instance the establishment of Tribal Studies
Department at Hampi, Himachal Pradesh University in 1994, Kannur University
in 1996, The Council of Analytical Tribal Studies (COATS), Koraput, Orissa in
2002 were established with the support of Government of India and University
7
Tribal Studies Grant Commission (U.G.C). These departments aim to undertake and offer tribal
studies and research including Ph.D. Programmes; to contribute towards education,
welfare and development of the scheduled tribes, to contribute towards the socio-
economic empowerment of Scheduled Tribes and work for integrating tribal life
into the main stream of society; to undertake research studies on tribal art, culture,
traditions and their traditional medicinal system with a view to recognize their
richness and relevance and to contribute towards formulation of a National Policy
for Tribal Development and for its periodical review. These studies highlight the
impact of rapid growth, process of modernization and globalization of the world
economy on the tribal life. Anthropologists and other social scientists had been
engaged in scientific studies based on intensive field work. These studies attempt
to remove our ignorance on many aspects of tribal world and it has concentrated
and dealt with the definitional problem of the term ‘tribe’. The study also address
various issues concerning tribal development, development issues, transition and
change, changing cultural patterns, social networks, the concept of tribal society,
migration and tribal health etc.
In fact, tribal study has aided in development and strengthening of knowledge and
broadening the scope of social anthropology. Various core areas of social sciences
like sociology, anthropology, political sciences, economics, social work, etc have
developed research and theoretical base on tribal life but much more efforts needs
to be put forth to strengthen the development of tribal studies as an independent
discipline. During the last century, many Indian Universities have started tribal
study as a discipline under which Master Degree; M.Phil and Ph. D degrees are
conferred to the students. The students and activists undertake studies on issues
concerned with the development of tribals and or various issues pertaining to their
exisitence and livelihood.
There is a great demand for the’ tribal study’ in India and almost all the social
science disciplines have entered in the field of study and it is being evolved as inter
disciplinary in character. Notwithstanding, there is a great challenge to it establish
as an independent discipline. In present day context there are various challenges
regarding how it be developed as an independent discipline.
Check Your Progress I
Note: Use the space provided for your answer.
1) Briefly describe the evolution of tribal studies.
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................

1.4 NATURE OF TRIBAL STUDIES

Tribal studies, as explained earlier are a part of the subject of anthropology.
However, presently all the social sciences disciplines are involved to study about
tribes and their development and it is considered as inter disciplinary subject.
8
Though much research work is carried out, tribal studies have yet to become a Tribal Studies: Evolution,
Nature and Scope
full-fledged discipline in the university system.
Tribal study is a systematic and critical investigation of tribal life. It is inter-
disciplinary in nature and approach. From psychology point of view, tribal study
deals with behavior of tribal through detail study of feeling, reacting, thinking etc.
Socio-cultural dimension looks into the tribals as isolated from the mainstream
culture/society, polity and economic activity. The conditions and influences
surrounding the tribal constitute the socio-cultural environment. It is interesting to
note that tribal study emphasize on critical research of their society, culture, various
traits and attributes, social norms, various practices in their daily lives, etc. To
know every detail about them is a great challenge but also crucial to uplift them
at par with the people of the mainstream.
It may be noted that tribal society is highly heterogeneous with various sub-groups
having their differential and unique social, cultural patterns and systems. As every
tribal folk had own set of qualities they can not be generalized. There is a need
to understand the uniqueness and differences among various tribal communities
through the research angle. It requires a systematic structure of investigation.
Characteristics of tribal study
The tribal study is a new field of study under the social sciences; as it is more on
application oriented so the relevance of social work is very crucial. However the
salient features of tribal study are: objectivity, precision, design and verifiability.
Let us discuss in detail those characteristics.
Objectivity:
Tribal study is a field of study about the tribals and their culture, society, norms
and values etc. Through the study, it makes deliberate efforts to eliminate personal
preference resisting the temptation to seek only such data that supports the
hypothesis. The emphasis is on how tribal people interpret their world rather than
testing hypotheses. It emphasizes logic and suspends personal judgment and biases.
Objectivity is achieved through standardization of research instruments, choosing
appropriate research design and analytical tools and ensuring dependability of
data.
Precision:
Precision can be achieved through the proper uses of statistical methods and
techniques in tribal studies. As we know the conclusion of any study is conveyed
to the readers are the most precise expression in quantitative research which
explains the truth. Precise language describes the study accurately so that the
results may be understood correctly in the field of tribal study.
Design:
In tribal study, specific research design is carried out to investigate. Through the
proper uses of scientific process, the same can be simulated for verifications. This
will imply that any scientific inquiry will, in general undergo the following steps:
- Defining of the problem;
- Statement of the hypothesis;
9
Tribal Studies - Collection of data and analysis of data;
- Testing and confirmation or rejection of hypothesis; and
- Reporting of the results.
However, many scholars and academicians maintain that qualitative research design
is preferred over the quantitative one while undertaking tribal studies. Qualitative
approach focuses on understanding the perceptions and interpretations of tribal
people rather than highlighting materials, cultural facts.
Verifiability:
This is a vital element in tribal study. It follows the research methods and findings
presented to the professional community to analyze, confirm or reject them in
social research. As we know, research is a social enterprise and its information is
open for public scrutiny. The verifiability is related to the criteria of objectivity and
precision. Through further investigation or replication of studies can the results of
a single study be confirmed or revised. Verifiability is achieved through various
approaches viz. (i) analyzing the same data on the same sample through alternatives
analytical tools i.e. statistical methods and (ii) replicating the study on a different
sample.
Check Your Progress II
Note: Use the space provided for your answer.
1) What is scope of tribal studies?
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................

1.5 TRIBAL STUDIES AS A DISCIPLINE

Tribal Studies has been considered as an important part of social and cultural
anthropology and contributed immensely to the growth of knowledge in academics.
In fact the origin and growth of the discipline of anthropology has its main root
in tribal studies.
According to Singh (1991), the overall tribal study is in fact, proportional method
to study culture, considering the religion as syncretism, including micro-studies to
understand the modification of human behavior in a perspective of diverse reality.
Stated otherwise, approval to diversities, pluralism, etc., is branch of studying
others’ culture which in fact is the study of tribal communities. Studies of the tribal
people have significantly improved our understanding of Indian pluralism. In the
1950s and 1960s, it was the studies of tribal societies that made us aware of our
diversities.
In the era of modernization the tribal studies have been used mainly in the perspective
of development and human rights. During colonial periods, the study of tribes
carried self-image of the researcher into it and gradually it established ideological
10 base over a period of time and built up on the notion of the racial superiority.
Malinowski emphasized that the mentality and attitude was reflected both in words Tribal Studies: Evolution,
Nature and Scope
and actions; tribes were tagged as primitive, savage etc. and converted to
Christianity what the civilized people thought of as means and ends of civilization.
There was no tribal scholar in tribal studies as a result the understanding was poor
in the perspectives. However, in the post colonial periods, the mindset of superiority
is no more given a free ride in the study of tribes. The involvement of the tribal
scholars has developed the interest in them in their own studies and in
accommodating the perspectives as they feel right for them. There was a gap with
the tribal and non-tribal scholars who study tribes from a different perspective
form the one which was the core of colonial understanding of the tribes (Mibang,
Tamo and Behera, 2007).
In the era of globalization tribal studies have not remained in the restricted domain
of anthropologists’ interest. Almost all disciplines of social sciences have shown
the interests in tribal studies in academics. Various analytical tools of disciplines
have been applied to tribal studies thereby expanding the frontiers of tribal studies
and at the same time incorporating inter-disciplinary character into the discipline.
For example, a social worker while intervening in poverty of tribals is required to
study the social and cultural aspects of the tribals in order to have a deeper insight
into the problem for which the intervention is required. He combines his social
work knowledge and theory with an anthropological insight to the study.
The discipline of tribal studies have been developed by the scholars from western
countries and based on the western concept of rationality. They ignored various
indigenous concepts as irrational in the research and actions. The early scholars
did not find any rational justifications to most of the practices in tribal communities.
This has led to the evaluation of tribal communities as backward within the expansion
and recognition to the knowledge base beyond western concept of rationality. The
western oriented scholars considered those as primitive thoughts and practices.
The tools and approaches from social science disciplines applied to tribal studies
usually enrich the knowledge by dispelling many misconceptions about tribes and
their culture. Sometimes scholars of a discipline address an issue within the
disciplinary boundary focused objectives but study is viewed and compared with
studies of other disciplines, then the study in question presents wider perspectives
beyond the discipline outline. Through the involvement of inter-disciplinary nature
the methodological support deepened the tribal studies. The tribal studies as a
discipline is becoming holistic in approach, the tribal life is better understood in
relation to other aspects of tribal life that define the culture of tribe as a whole.
The whole gamut of tribal studies has contributed to the origin and growth of the
discipline of anthropology to a great extent. Over the period of times the discipline
has also got diversified, surrounding themes and communities pertaining to the
tribe. However, the importance of the study of tribes has not been abridged with
the diversification of the discipline of anthropology. But the inter-disciplinary nature
in the study have been escalating and evolving what we considered as tribal
studies mainly in development perspectives. The various initiatives have been taken
to a comprehensive exploration of the dynamics of tribal studies. The strength of
the tribal studies originated from the growing implication and emerging attention to
the distinct analytical issues and empirical findings in the field of tribal studies.
However, tribal studies will broaden the scope among the NGO activists, planners,
bureaucrats and social scientists in general and the students of tribal studies in 11
Tribal Studies particular to practice through which the expanding functions of knowledge in the
realm and in contextualizing the dynamics of perspectives and methodological
issues.
Check Your Progress III
Note: Use the space provided for your answer.
1) In your own words justify the need for tribal studies as a discipline.
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................

1.6 RELEVANCE OF TRIBAL STUDY IN TODAY’S

CONTEXT
According to Constitutional provisions of India, the Government is providing for
the protection and promotion of the interests of the scheduled tribes and other
down trodden people. Since after Independence of India, a large number of
programmes have been initiated to ensure social and economic development of
scheduled tribes. However, the result is not proportionate with the efforts given by
the Government. Due to approach in modernization and globalization there is a
need to address the problems of scheduled tribe in the spheres of socio-economic,
infrastructure and technological development. There is a need to formulate
appropriate policy so that various problems related to tribal development can be
dealt with towards right directions.
Besides, there is a need of scientific and independent research for evolving strategies
for research, monitoring and evaluation of the development policies and programmes
for schedule tribe. The process of training should be initiated for capacity building
of human resource through action research and extension services for the overall
social, economic, political and cultural development of the Scheduled Tribes of
India.
There is a need to provide through research based latest information, knowledge,
strategies to the government machinery, top executives, middle level managers and
various other functionaries involved in the formulation of policies and programmes
for tribal development. The involvement of professional in the field of tribal
development should be encouraged and strengthened towards the existing ground
realities by making available to them the research findings. The youth should be
educated and sensitized about the available opportunities, the new avenues of
employment, the areas of knowledge to pursue and so on for their growth and
development.

1.7 CHALLENGES AHEAD

Due to impact of globalization, the tribals have also become victims of the process
and they are trying to cope with various kinds of problems on their own. It has
12
been realized that the tribal folk need assistance from the professionals who could Tribal Studies: Evolution,
Nature and Scope
help them in adjusting with the situation. There are still some important issues
which need to be addressed. They are:
i) Proper orientation about the challenges arising due to globalization to the
social scientists in general and the social worker in particular;
ii) Dissemination of information/issues about tribals and involve the development
professionals for interventions;
iii) The impact of globalization to the tribal society;
iv) Recognition of tribal studies as a discipline in the realm of social science
under the University Grant Commission.
The growth of the tribal studies as a discipline has a tough tasks ahead in the era
of globalization. It had long association with the anthropologists and now it has
emerged as inter-disciplinary in character which tends to be a major threat.
Check Your Progress IV
Note: Use the space provided for your answer.
1) Highlight the challenges in tribal studies.
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................

1.8 LET US SUM UP

The tribal study is a new discipline in the realm of social sciences. It has its origin
in social anthropology and association with it since its inception. Over a period
time, it has emerged as an inter-disciplinary concept but the need of independent
discipline has been conceived for its proper growth and development. The core
areas from various social sciences disciplines have been adopted to strengthen its
knowledge in the forum of academician.
It clarifies various concepts about the schedule tribe, tribe(s) and indigenous peoples.
The study of their culture, social structure, polity, economic system, education etc.
has been addressed through the research from the field. The salient features of
tribal studies are objectivity, precision, design and verifiability.
It has highlighted its broad nature and scope of the tribal studies. The study also
enriches the field of social and cultural anthropology but over a period time it has
established its independent field of study. The outline has also been drawn to its
relevance in today’s context and taken various emerging challenges as a discipline.

13
Tribal Studies
1.9 FURTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES
1. Beteille, Andre, 1977: “The Definition of Tribe” in Thapar Romesh (ed.),
Tribe, Caste and Religion in India, The Macmillan Co. of India Ltd. , Delhi.
2. Mibang, Tamo and Behera, M.C 2007: “Tribal Studies – Emerging Frontiers
Knowledge”, Mittal Publications, New Delhi.
3. Miri, Mrinal, 1993: “Continuity and Change in Tribal Society”, Indian Institute
of Advanced Study, Shimla.
4. Singh, K.S., 1984: “Tribal Movements in India Volume I & II”, Manohar
Publications, Delhi.
5. Singh, K.S., 1990: “Ethnicity, Identity and Development”, Manohar
Publications, Delhi.
6. Singh, K.S., 1991: “Tribal Perspectives: 1969 - 1990”, Indian Institute of
Advanced Study, Shimla.
7. http://www.sociologyguide.com/tribal-society/tribal-caste-continuum.php
accessed on dated 15.01.2011
8. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=6FFHggw8rGgC&pg=PP4&dq=triba
l+study+as++a+discipline&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=true dated 01.02.2011.
9. Xaxa, V, 1999: “Transformation of Tribes in India: Terms of Discourse”,
Economic and Political Weekly, No. XXXIV, Volume. 24

14