Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (Answer in 150 words) 10M

In 1935, the Government of India Act included individuals living in or dependent on forests into a unified category known as Scheduled Tribe (STs).

The tribal communities in India exhibit a vast array of diversity, ranging from the matriarchal Khasis of Meghalaya to the patriarchal tribes of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Moreover, tribes differ on the basis of their origins, such as the African-origin Siddis of Gujarat and the indigenous tribes of Andaman and Nicobar, like the Sentinels.

In addition to the constitutional and legal provisions that classify STs under a single category, various socio-economic factors bind them together as a single entity.

• Geographical Isolation: They are often geographically isolated from the mainstream population.
• Similar Religious Practices: They tend to follow similar religious practices such as the use of tattoos, amulets, and jewelry and belief in magic.
• Ancestral and Nature Worship: Ancestral worship is commonplace among them, and they often revere nature.
• Dependence on Forests: They rely heavily on forests for their livelihood and prioritize maintaining a balanced environment.
• Egalitarian Social Structure: They typically have less stratified social structures compared to caste-based societies, with a greater focus on egalitarianism.
• Animistic Belief System: They commonly hold animistic beliefs.
• Tribal Loyalties: They tend to be highly territorial and dedicated to preserving their own tribe and culture.
• Primitive Occupations: Many of them still practice primitive occupations like shifting cultivation.
• Indigenous Political Organization: They often have indigenous political organizations, such as councils of elders, similar to the sabhas and samitis of the Vedic period.
• Self-Reliant Society: Their society is generally self-reliant and self-sufficient.
• Different from Mainstream Society: They differ significantly from mainstream society in many ways.

Dr. Ambedkar advocated for the recognition of the distinct socio-religious and cultural practices of these communities and called for their inclusion in a separate, singular, and distinct category.

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