Question

Who among the following Indian sociologists argued against Verrier Elwin’s proposal of preserving the ‘tribal way of life’ on the grounds that the Indian tribes are not ‘aborigines’ but are ‘imperfectly integrated classes of Hindu society’ or are ‘Backward Hindus’?

• A. Irawati Karve
• B. A.R. Desai
• C. G.S. Ghurye
• D. D.D. Kosambi

Hint:

G.S. Ghurye is closely associated with the assimilationist view of tribes in Indian sociology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Context of the debate.
Verrier Elwin supported the idea of preserving tribal culture by protecting tribes from excessive external influence. This view was challenged by several Indian sociologists.
Step 2: G.S. Ghurye’s argument.
G.S. Ghurye argued that Indian tribes were not isolated aboriginal groups but were historically connected to Hindu society. He described them as “Backward Hindus” or imperfectly integrated sections of Hindu society.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, G.S. Ghurye strongly opposed Elwin’s proposal and supported the integration of tribes into mainstream Indian society.