Question

Characteristics of tribal community

Answer 1

The characteristics of tribal community are as follows:

1. Geographical isolation: They have usually a well-demarcated geographical territory. They live in clusters (padas), which are generally located in remote forests and hilly areas. Now, many of them have migrated to rural villages and cities and mixed with non-tribal populations.
2. Economic life: They are engaged in hunting, fishing, basket making, weaving, iron-smith etc. They practice simple agriculture and shifting cultivation. Their use rudimentary technology, which results in low produce. They have a low level of literacy and poor health. Their economic, infrastructural and marketing facilities are also poor. Some tribes still depend on barter system. Hence, they are economically backward.
3. Sense of identity: Tribal folk nurture a sense of exclusive identity. It strongly binds them together. This sense of identity is characterised by an awareness of territorial boundaries. Each tribe has a common name (e.g. Gond, Naga), which adds to their sense of cohesion and solidarity
4. Endogamous group: Tribal people generally do not marry outside their tribe. Marriage is based on the rule of tribal endogamy. It is viewed as a contract and there are no taboos on divorce and remarriage. In recent times, inter-tribal marriages are not uncommon.
5. Distinctive culture and language: They have independent traditions with respect to social customs, folklore, ecology and a belief system. Each tribe has its own dialect. However, they may also use the regional language to communicate outside the tribe. 
6. Simple society: Their social relationships are primarily based on family and kinship ties. They do not have any rigid social stratification. They have their own faith systems based on natural phenomenon and beliefs in evil forces. They have a traditional pantheon of various gods and goddesses. Traditionally, they have had very limited contact with other cultures and people. 
7. Simple religion: Their forms of religion are known as animism, animatism, totemism, and naturism and manaism. Sacred groves are an integral part of tribal society. They also have belief in black and white magic, ancestor worship, benevolent and malevolent spirits.
8. Community administration: Each tribe has its own distinct way of administration. They manage the internal community issues through ‘tribal panchayat’, family and kinship ties. The authority of the Tribal Chief and Council of Elders was the governing body of each tribe. Now, this autonomy of the traditional authority vested in tribal chiefs has weakened.
9. Clan organisation: Clans are an integral part of tribal community. Most tribes in India are divided into exogamous clans and lineages. Clans are a basis for strong kinship bonds.
10. Egalitarian values: The tribal social organisation is based on egalitarian principles. There is no hierarchy defining social relationships. Thus, there are no institutionalised inequalities. However, in some tribes, the chief may enjoy a higher social status and more authority.