Question

Some scholars have argued that there is no coherent basis for treating tribes as 'pristine'- i.e., original or pure societies uncontaminated by civilisation. The idea that tribes are like stone age hunting and gathering societies that have remained untouched by time is still common, even though this has not been true for a long time.

Based on the above passage, justify with four reasons why this idea of tribes having remained untouched is untrue.

Answer 1

The four reasons that the idea of tribes have remained untouched is untrue are mentioned below:

1. Adivasis were not always the subjugated people they are now; in Central India, there were a number of Gond kingdoms, including Chanda and Garha Mandala.
2. In reality, the emergence of numerous so-called Rajput kingdoms in central and western India was the result of a process of stratification within the Adivasi groups.
3. Adivasis frequently used their ability to raid and their role as local militias to exert control over the plains people. Additionally, they traded elephants, salt, and forest products, occupying a unique commercial niche.
4. In addition, the capitalist economy’s drive to exploit forest resources and minerals and to recruit cheap labour has brought tribal societies in contact with mainstream society a long time ago.