Social anthropology 000000000000001.pptx

Sociology anthropology

1. K.LOGESHWARRAN 22 – USO – 068 SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY ASSIGNMENT

2. ADIVASI TIRIBE IN INDIA The Adivasi Tribe refers to heterogeneous tribal groups across the Indian subcontinent. The term is a Sanskrit word coined in the 1930s by political activists to give the tribal people an indigenous identity by claiming an indigenous origin. The term is also used for ethnic minorities, such as Chakmas of Bangladesh, Bhumiputara Khasas of Nepal, and Vedda of Sri Lanka.

3. The Constitution of India does not use the word Adivasi, instead referring to Scheduled Tribes and Janjati. The government of India does not officially recognise tribes as indigenous people. The country ratified the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 107 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the United Nations (1957) and refused to sign the ILO Convention 169. Most of these groups are included in the Scheduled Tribe category under constitutional provisions in India .

4. They comprise a substantial minority population of India and Bangladesh, making up 8.6% of India’s population and 1.1% of Bangladesh’s, or 104.2 million people in India, according to the 2011 census, and 2 million people in Bangladesh according to the 2010 estimate. Adivasi societies are particularly prominent in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Northeast India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, and Feni, Khagrachari, Bandarban, Rangamati, and Cox’s Bazar.

5. Though claimed to be one of the original inhabitants of India, many present-day Adivasi communities formed after the decline of the Indus Valley civilisation, harboring various degrees of ancestry from ancient hunter-gatherers, Indus Valley civilisation, Indo-Aryan, Austroasiatic and Tibeto-Burman language speakers. Ancestors of Munda peoples in India were migrant from South-east Asia around 4000-3500 year ago.

6. I.ribal languages can be categorised into seven linguistic groupings, namely Andamanese; Austro-Asiatic; Dravidian; Indo-Aryan; Nihali; Sino-Tibetan; and Kra-Dai.
Tribals of East, Central, West and South India use the politically assertive term Adivasi, while Tribals of North East India use ‘Tribal’ or ‘Scheduled Tribe’ and do not use term ‘Adivasi’ for themselves. The language they use is SANTHALI.

7. Adivasi studies is a new scholarly field, drawing upon archaeology, anthropology, agrarian history, environmental history, subaltern studies, indigenous studies, aboriginal studies, and developmental economics. It adds debates that are specific to the Indian context.

8. FAMILY: Adivasi tribes in India, like many indigenous communities around the world, have diverse family structures that can vary from one tribe to another. Many Adivasi tribes traditionally live in extended family setups where several generations, including grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even extended relatives, live together in the same household or within close proximity.

9. The kinship system can be either matrilineal or patrilineal, depending on the specific tribe. In matrilineal systems, descent and inheritance are traced through the mother’s lineage, while in patrilineal systems, it’s through the father’s lineage. Some Adivasi tribes practice communal living, where multiple families from the same tribe reside together in a cluster of huts or houses, sharing resources and responsibilities.

10. Decision-making within Adivasi families often involves collective discussions and consensus-building, where elders and community leaders play significant roles. Gender roles and responsibilities within Adivasi families can vary, but women often play essential roles in household management, agriculture, and childcare, while men may be engaged in hunting, gathering, or other activities.

11. Land and natural resources are crucial to Adivasi communities, and family structures often revolve around the management and sustenance of these resources.

12. MARRIAGE: Many Adivasi tribes practice arranged marriages, where parents or elders play a significant role in selecting a suitable partner for their children.
Adivasi marriage ceremonies are typically elaborate affairs with various rituals and customs. These may include rituals like exchanging garlands, applying vermilion on the bride’s forehead, and circumambulating sacred fires. In some Adivasi communities, a bride price is paid by the groom’s family to the bride’s family, while in others, dowry customs are observed, where the bride’s family provides gifts or resources to the groom’s family.

13. Adivasi marriages often involve the participation of the entire community. These celebrations can be large, with music, dance, and feasting, and serve as important social events.
Many Adivasi tribes incorporate their indigenous religious beliefs into their marriage ceremonies. These beliefs can vary widely, as each tribe may have its own unique spiritual practices.
The bride and groom typically wear traditional attire specific to their tribe during the wedding ceremony. This attire can vary greatly in terms of design, colors, and accessorie s.

14. After the wedding, there may be various post-marriage rituals that symbolize the couple’s new status and responsibilities within the community .

15. KINSHIP: Adivasi tribes have patrilineal kinship systems, where descent and inheritance are traced through the male line. Others follow matrilineal kinship, where it’s through the female line.
Many Adivasi tribes live in extended family setups, with multiple generations living together in the same household or close proximity. These extended families often include grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even aunts, uncles, and cousins.

16. Some Adivasi tribes organize themselves into clans or lineages based on common ancestry. Clan members often share a common totem or emblem, and they may have specific responsibilities and rituals associated with their clan. Marriage customs vary widely among Adivasi tribes. Endogamy (marriage within the tribe) is common, and arranged marriages are prevalent. In some tribes, cross-cousin marriage (marriage between the children of siblings of the opposite sex) is practiced. Inheritance rules can be patrilineal, matrilineal, or a combination of both, depending on the tribe. Property rights and land ownership are significant aspects of kinship and can vary greatly.

17. Elders play a crucial role in decision-making and conflict resolution within the tribe. They often hold positions of authority and are respected for their wisdom and experience.
Adivasi tribes often have specific and complex kinship terminologies to distinguish between different types of relatives. These terminologies reflect the cultural significance of various family relationships.
Kinship ties are reinforced through various rituals and ceremonies, such as birth celebrations, coming-of-age ceremonies, and marriage rituals. These events often involve the entire community.

18. RELIGIOIS INSTITUTION: Many Adivasi tribes have community elders and shamans who play essential roles in their religious practices. Elders often hold knowledge about tribal traditions, rituals, and oral histories, while shamans act as intermediaries between the human and spiritual realms, conducting rituals and ceremonies.
Adivasi tribes often have sacred sites such as groves, hills, rivers, or specific trees that are considered holy. These sites are used for various rituals and offerings to the spirits or deities believed to inhabit them.

19. Much of Adivasi religious knowledge is passed down orally through generations. Stories, myths, and rituals are transmitted verbally, maintaining the tribe’s unique cultural and religious heritage.
Many Adivasi communities have a strong connection to nature and believe in the sacredness of the natural world. They may worship specific elements of nature, animals, or natural forces as deities. Ancestor veneration is common among Adivasi tribes. They believe in the importance of respecting and appeasing the spirits of their ancestors through rituals and offerings.

20. Adivasi tribes celebrate various festivals and ceremonies that mark important events in their agricultural or seasonal calendar. These events often involve music, dance, and rituals to appease spirits and seek their blessings.
Some Adivasi tribes use specific religious objects like amulets, totems, or idols to symbolize and connect with their spiritual beliefs.

21. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION: There are various educational institutions and initiatives aimed at Adivasi tribes in India and other countries. These institutions often focus on providing education and preserving the unique cultural heritage of Adivasi communities. Eklavya is an organization that works towards improving the education of Adivasi children in India. They develop and provide educational materials that are culturally relevant to Adivasi communities.
Some states in India have established residential schools specifically for Adivasi children. These schools aim to provide quality education while respecting the cultural background of the students .

22. Ashram schools are often located in rural and tribal areas, offering education to underprivileged children, including Adivasi communities.
Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits work to support Adivasi education. They may run schools, vocational training programs, and community development initiatives.
Government agencies in countries with Adivasi populations may have educational programs and policies in place to promote access to quality education for Adivasi students.

23. ECONOMIC INSTITUTION: Adivasi tribes, which are indigenous communities in India, often have unique economic institutions that are closely tied to their traditional ways of life. Many Adivasi tribes rely on subsistence agriculture as their primary economic activity. They cultivate crops like rice, millet, and vegetables using traditional farming methods.
Some Adivasi communities practice collective land ownership, where land is communally held and managed by the tribe. This helps in preserving their natural resources and traditional farming practices.

24. Barter systems and traditional exchange of goods and services are common economic practices among Adivasi tribes. They exchange items like forest products, agricultural produce, and handicrafts within their communities.
Many Adivasi groups depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. They gather forest products such as fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, and honey for consumption and sale.
Adivasi communities often have skilled artisans who produce traditional crafts and artwork. These items may be sold locally or in regional markets.

25. Livestock, such as cattle, goats, and chickens, are essential for many Adivasi tribes. They provide dairy products, meat, and serve as a source of income through the sale of animals or their products.
In regions with access to rivers and water bodies, some Adivasi communities engage in fishing as a livelihood activity, often using traditional methods.
Economic decisions are often made collectively within the tribe, with elders or community leaders playing a significant role in resource allocation and distribution .

26. Adivasi communities may have their own informal lending and credit systems based on trust and social ties to meet financial needs.

27. POLITICAL INSTITUTION: The Gram Sabha is a key institution where the entire village community gathers to discuss and make decisions on various matters, including resource management, conflict resolution, and community development.
In some regions, Adivasi communities have their own traditional Panchayats or councils composed of respected elders and leaders who help in dispute resolution and decision-making.
Many Adivasi tribes have traditional chieftains or leaders who hold authority and are responsible for maintaining order and resolving disputes within the community .

28. Adivasi communities often rely on customary laws and practices to govern themselves. These laws are passed down through generations and help maintain order and justice.
Elders play a significant role in decision-making and conflict resolution within Adivasi communities. They are often looked upon for their wisdom and experience.
Adivasi tribes value their autonomy and often resist external interference in their internal affairs. They have their own systems of governance that reflect their unique cultural and social contexts.

29. CONCLUSION: Scheduled tribes are also known as Adivasis. These are the designated group of people who are disadvantaged indigenous people in India. Scheduled Tribes comprise about 8.6 percent of India’s population. Adivasis comprise a substantial minority population of India and Bangladesh, making up 8.6% of India’s population and 1.1% of Bangladesh’s, or 104.2 million people in India, according to the 2011 census, and 2 million people in Bangladesh according to the 2010 estimate.

30. THANK YOU Submitted To, Dr. J. Vanitha