describe the relationship between tribes and castes in india with suitable examples
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There are no specific criteria by which we may distinguish a tribe from a caste. In broad terms, a tribe is defined as “a community occupying a common geographic area and having a similar language and culture or beliefs and practices” (Theodorson, 1969:443). Nadel has described tribe as “a society with a linguistic, cultural and political boundary”. But there are many tribal societies which lack government and the centralised authority in the ordinary sense of the term. Likewise, cultural homogeneity in a tribe is also elusive in this age.
Scholars like G.S. Ghurye, T.B. Naik, F.G. Bailey and Verrier Elwin have used different criteria like religion, geographical isolation, language, economic backwardness, and political organisation for distinguishing caste from tribe.
On the basis of religion, it is said that the religion of tribals is Animism and that of the people with caste system is Hinduism. Hutton (1963) and Bailey (1960:263) believe that tribals are not Hindus but are animists. The basic characteristics of animism are the beliefs that all animate and inanimate objects are permanently or temporarily inhabited by spirits; all activities are caused by these spirits; spirits have power over the lives of men; men can be possessed by spirits; and they can be influenced by magic.
On the other hand, the chief characteristics of Hinduism are dharma, bhakti, karma and rebirth. It will be wrong to say that the Hindus, particularly the lower caste Hindus, do not believe in spirits and ghosts or in magic and possession.
Scholars like G.S. Ghurye, T.B. Naik, F.G. Bailey and Verrier Elwin have used different criteria like religion, geographical isolation, language, economic backwardness, and political organisation for distinguishing caste from tribe.
On the basis of religion, it is said that the religion of tribals is Animism and that of the people with caste system is Hinduism. Hutton (1963) and Bailey (1960:263) believe that tribals are not Hindus but are animists. The basic characteristics of animism are the beliefs that all animate and inanimate objects are permanently or temporarily inhabited by spirits; all activities are caused by these spirits; spirits have power over the lives of men; men can be possessed by spirits; and they can be influenced by magic.
On the other hand, the chief characteristics of Hinduism are dharma, bhakti, karma and rebirth. It will be wrong to say that the Hindus, particularly the lower caste Hindus, do not believe in spirits and ghosts or in magic and possession.
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India is a country with huge diversity, and there is lack of uniformity, and many religion cultures, tribes, and different castes are found. In a particular religion, there are various posts present according to the type of work they used to do, or there forefathers used to do, such things are popularly termed as the various castes.
For example, the caste of Kshatriya in Hindu religion are considered to be warriors.
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