Question

Which of the following statement(s) about tribes is/are CORRECT?

• A. G. S. Ghurye suggests that tribes are backward Hindus
• B. M. N. Srinivas suggests that hill tribes of the northeast India who belong to Tibeto-Burman family identify themselves as Adivasis
• C. Verrier Elwin propounded an approach of non-interference administration of the tribes
• D. Verrier Elwin was the architect of the Philosophy of NEFA (North East Frontier Agency)

Hint:

Understand the ideological distinctions: Ghurye viewed tribes in relation to mainstream Hinduism; Elwin emphasized tribal autonomy; Srinivas focused more on social mobility concepts like Sanskritization.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C, D

Step 1: Analyze each statement in the context of sociological and anthropological thought.

(A) Correct: G. S. Ghurye, a noted Indian sociologist, described tribes as “backward Hindus.” He argued that tribal communities were not isolated but had long-standing connections with Hindu society and shared cultural and social practices.

(B) Incorrect: M. N. Srinivas did not suggest that the hill tribes of northeast India identify as Adivasis. In fact, "Adivasi" is more commonly used in central and eastern India. The term is not typically used by the northeastern tribes, many of whom have distinct identities and do not relate to the term “Adivasi.”

(C) Correct: Verrier Elwin, an anthropologist and tribal advocate, supported a policy of non-interference in tribal life. He emphasized preserving tribal culture and autonomy rather than assimilating tribes into mainstream society.

(D) Correct: Elwin was closely associated with the Philosophy of NEFA (North East Frontier Agency), promoting a humanistic and culturally sensitive approach to tribal development, especially in Arunachal Pradesh.