The famous isolation vs. integration debate of the 1940s relating to tribal societies was primarily a debate between :

Question

Read the paragraph below and answer the following question.
The famous isolation versus integration debate of the 1940s built upon this standard picture of tribal societies as isolated wholes. The isolationist side argued that tribals needed protection from traders, moneylenders and Hindu and Christian missionaries all of whom were intent on reducing tribals to detribalised landless labour. The integrationists, on the other hand, argued that tribals were merely backward Hindus, and their problems had to be addressed within the same framework as that of backward classes. This opposition dominated the Constituent Assembly debates, which were finally settled along the lines of a compromise which advocated welfare schemes that would enable controlled integration. The subsequent schemes for tribal development - five year plans, tribal sub-plans, tribal welfare blocks, special multipurpose area schemes all continue with this mode of thinking. But the basic issue here is that the integration of tribes has neglected their own needs or desires; integration has been on the terms of the mainstream society and for its own benefit. The tribal societies have had their lands, forests taken away and their communities shattered in the name of development.
Identify positive impact of interactional process with mainstream society:

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Tribal Policy in pre-independence and early post-independence India was divided into two main schools of thought regarding the future of tribal communities.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Isolationists (The "National Park" approach): Led by thinkers like Verrier Elwin. They argued that tribes should be isolated to protect them from exploitation by outsiders and to preserve their unique culture.
2. Integrationists: Led by sociologists like G.S. Ghurye. They argued that tribals were essentially "backward Hindus" and should be integrated into mainstream society and economic processes to improve their standard of living.
3. This debate helped shape India's tribal policy, which eventually aimed for a middle path (integration without total assimilation).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The debate was primarily between Isolationists and Integrationists.

The famous isolation vs. integration debate of the 1940s relating to tribal societies was primarily a debate between :

Show Hint

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Top Questions on Tribal Development

Questions Asked in CUET (UG) exam