Question

Which of the following arguments are correct about tribes in India?
(A) Adivasis were always the oppressed group, as they are now.
(B) Tribes were absorbed in Hindu society through Sanskritisation.
(C) Tribes occupied a special trade niche, trading forest produce, salt and elephants.
(D) Adivasis often exercised dominance over the plains people through their capacity to raid them.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (B), (C) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The objective is to ascertain the accurate assertions regarding tribes in India. An examination of each proposition follows:

• (A) Adivasis were consistently an oppressed demographic: Historically, tribal groups in India did not perpetually endure oppression. Many maintained self-governance and influence, particularly in forest regions. Consequently, this assertion lacks universal validity.
• (B) Tribal populations were assimilated into Hindu society via Sanskritisation: Sanskritisation denotes a process whereby lower social strata adopt the customs and practices of higher strata to elevate their societal standing. Tribes have historically integrated into the Hindu social structure through this mechanism. Therefore, this statement is accurate.
• (C) Tribes occupied a distinct commercial position: Traditionally, tribal communities engaged in commerce, notably in the exchange of forest products and commodities such as salt and elephants. This underscores their economic importance, validating this statement.
• (D) Adivasis frequently exerted authority over plains inhabitants: In historical periods, tribes sometimes wielded power over populations in the plains through incursions, illustrating their independence and strength in specific territories. This statement is accurate.

The accurate statements are (B), (C), and (D) exclusively.

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