4 Marks Question

Question

Discuss mainstream attitude towards tribes. OR Discuss in detail isolation Vs integration of tribes.

Vidyadip · Accepted Answer

There were two dominant kinds of approaches towards the incorporation of tribes into the mainstream-Isolation and Integration.
Isolation:

Tribals were faced with the problem of incursion of moneylenders.
They were also losing their land to non-tribal immigrant settlers, and their access to forests because of the government policy of reservation of forests and the introduction of mining operations.
In these hilly and forested regions, revenue and livelihood was attained only from forest produce.
Following the incursion into the tribal areas, they began rebellions, as a result of which the Colonial government set up excluded and partially excluded areas.
The isolationists argued that tribals needed protection from traders, moneylenders and Hindu and Christian missionaries.

Integration:

Tribals were essentially backward Hindus and their problems had to be addressed within the same framework as other backward classes.
Various welfare schemes for the tribals such as tribal welfare blocks, special multipurpose area schemes are being started.
Integration in this manner neglects the desires and wishes of the tribes and a warning sign of development ahead of their needs.
Thus, this kind of integration happens at the cost of the interest of the tribes.

Answer