Page 6 - Lesson Notes

3. The dominant classification both in academic sociology as well as in
politics and public affairs is the degree of assimilation into Hindu society.

4. Assimilation can be seen either from the point of view of the tribes, or (as
has been most often the case) from the point of view of the dominant
Hindu mainstream.

5. From the tribe’s point of view, apart from the extent of assimilation,
attitude towards Hindu society is also a major criterion, with
differentiation between tribes that are positively inclined towards
Hinduism and those who resist or oppose it.

6. From the mainstream point of view, tribes may be viewed in terms of the
status accorded to them in Hindu society, ranging from the high status
given to some, to the generally low status accorded to most.

Integration towards the mainstream.
• Tribal point of view
~ They want to be part of non-tribals due to reservations, better
opportunities so that their status gets uplifted.
They didn’t want to be Part of non tribals because they didn’t want to lose
their identity and wanted to be isolated didn’t want to lose their culture.
Tribal elite- upliftment of status, educated , gained a position and are
treated very well.
Others who are not as high casual labourers are treated badly

CASTE TRIBE

 Based on the purity and  Kinship based mode of social

pollution organisation.

 Believes in religion Oral and  Do not practice text a religion

written with written text.

 Hierarchical system.  Egalitarian system

 Occupation based on ascribed  Occupation based on
status. geographical.

Criticism:
The definition of tribals is criticized, since they should not be isolated.
• They are part of our country and should be mixed with the large population.
• Castes are doing tribal occupation and tribals are doing caste occupation.
• We have Hindus who are fishermen.