Question

Who amongst the following Sociologists remarked that tribal institutions in themselves need not necessarily be democratic in their structure and functioning ?

• A. Tiplut Nongbri
• B. Virginius Xaxa
• C. Verrier Elwin
• D. G.S. Ghurye

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The statement that tribal institutions do not necessarily have to be democratic in their structure and functioning was made by Virginius Xaxa, an Indian sociologist and anthropologist. Xaxa emphasized that tribal societies often have their own traditional systems of governance, which may not align with the Western democratic model. He argued that the structure of tribal institutions is shaped by their specific social, cultural, and economic contexts, rather than by a universal notion of democracy.

Let's evaluate the options:

1. Tiplut Nongbri
This statement is incorrect. Tiplut Nongbri was a scholar who contributed to the understanding of tribal societies but did not make the remark about tribal institutions being undemocratic in structure.

2. Virginius Xaxa
This statement is correct. Virginius Xaxa, in his work on tribal societies, remarked that tribal institutions do not necessarily conform to democratic principles and that they have different forms of organization, which may not fit into a Western-style democratic structure.

3. Verrier Elwin
This statement is incorrect. Verrier Elwin was a British anthropologist who worked extensively among the tribal populations of India. While he was a strong advocate for the rights and welfare of tribals, he did not make this particular remark about tribal institutions.

4. G.S. Ghurye
This statement is incorrect. G.S. Ghurye was an Indian sociologist known for his work on Indian sociology and caste studies, but he did not make the comment about tribal institutions being undemocratic.

Thus, the correct answer is Option 2: Virginius Xaxa.

Answer 2

Virginius Xaxa made observations on tribal institutions, highlighting that they need not necessarily be democratic in structure.