Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development. (UPSC CSE Mains 2021 - Sociology, Paper 2)
The debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development in India is a significant one in the field of Indian sociology and anthropology. It revolves around the issues of integration, assimilation, and preservation of tribal culture in the context of Indian society. The main features of this debate can be summarized as follows:
- Ghurye’s Assimilationist Approach: G. S. Ghurye, a renowned Indian sociologist, believed in the assimilation of tribal communities into the mainstream Indian society. He argued that tribal communities should be integrated into the larger society to ensure their development and progress. Ghurye believed that the tribal communities were backward due to their isolation and lack of exposure to the modern world. He advocated for the assimilation of tribal culture into the mainstream culture, which would lead to the development of tribal communities.
- Elwin’s Integrationist Approach: V. Elwin, a British anthropologist who spent a significant part of his life in India, had a different perspective on tribal development. He believed in the integration of tribal communities into the mainstream society while preserving their distinct cultural identity. Elwin argued that tribal culture was an essential part of India’s cultural diversity, and it should be protected and preserved. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to tribal development, which would involve providing education, healthcare, and other facilities to the tribal communities without imposing the mainstream culture on them.
- Cultural Preservation vs. Assimilation: The debate between Ghurye and Elwin essentially revolves around the issue of cultural preservation versus assimilation. While Ghurye believed that the tribal culture should be assimilated into the mainstream culture for the development of tribal communities, Elwin argued that tribal culture should be preserved and protected as a part of India’s cultural diversity.
- Role of the State: The debate also highlights the role of the state in tribal development. Ghurye believed that the state should play an active role in assimilating tribal communities into the mainstream society, while Elwin argued that the state should focus on providing basic facilities and infrastructure to the tribal communities without imposing the mainstream culture on them.
- Relevance of the Debate: The debate between Ghurye and Elwin is relevant even today, as the issues of tribal development and cultural preservation continue to be significant in India. The Indian government has adopted various policies and programs for the development of tribal communities, which often reflect the ideas of both Ghurye and Elwin. The debate between the two scholars highlights the need for a balanced approach to tribal development, which involves providing basic facilities and infrastructure to the tribal communities while preserving their distinct cultural identity.
The debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development in India revolves around the issues of integration, assimilation, and preservation of tribal culture. While Ghurye advocated for the assimilation of tribal communities into the mainstream society, Elwin believed in preserving their distinct cultural identity. The debate highlights the need for a balanced approach to tribal development, which involves providing basic facilities and infrastructure to the tribal communities while preserving their cultural identity.
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