how did some medieval tribes use conversion as a strategy to avoid absorption into the general society
Answers
In this article on Medieval India, we are planning to cover the subject 'Tribe, Nomthe chapters are compiled below. These points can be quite easy during preparations for the prelims and men to understand this point quickly.
Different types of society: those people who followed the rules of Varna and who were not
We have already seen that there were administrative centers, temple towns along with the center
Commercial activities and craftsmanship during the medieval period. But the social changes developed in different types of society were not different.
In numerous regions of the subcontinent, society was already separated according to the rules of the Varna. These rules, as prescribed by the Brahmins, were accepted by rulers of big empires. Under the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals, the hierarchy went ahead among the social classes.
However, there were other societies too. Many societies of the subcontinent did not follow the social rules and rituals set by the Brahmins. Neither were they divided into unequal classes. Such societies are often called tribes.
Beyond Big Cities: Tribal Society
• Some powerful tribes control large areas. In Punjab, during the 13th and 14th centuries the Khokhar tribe was very impressive.
• Kamal Khan Gakht of Gakhkar tribe was a great (mahasabardar) by emperor Akbar.
• In Multan and Sindh, langahs and arangan dominated broad areas before being reduced by the Mughals.
• In the western Himalayas, the cowboy tribe lived.
• The far north-eastern part of the subcontinent was also completely dominated by the tribes - Naga, Ahomas etc.
• Chero in many areas of Bihar and Jharkhand, mainstream emerged till the 12th century. Akbar's General King Man Singh attacked and defeated him in 1591.
• Maharashtra Highlands and Karnataka Colis [also in Gujarat], were home to Berrds etc.
• South got Coragas, waiter, Marwar etc.
• Bhils spread across western and central India. In the second half of the 16th century, many of them became agriculturists and even some landlords.
• In the current states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, gonds were found in large numbers.