The relationship between tribe and caste in India has been a subject of discussion among scholars, especially after independence. Generally, tribes and castes are seen as two different social organizations. Castes are often characterized by hereditary divisions of labor, hierarchy, and various social restrictions. In contrast, tribes are viewed as societies where kinship bonds govern social relations, leading to more equality among members.
In tribal societies, lineage and clan are essential units of ownership and production, and there tends to be a lack of exploiting classes and organized state structures. Tribes also display a more homogeneous culture compared to the culturally diverse caste system.
Despite these distinctions, many groups identified as tribes do not fully conform to these characteristics. Some tribes exhibit features of both tribal and caste societies, leading to difficulties in categorizing them. As noted by sociologist Beteille, tribes generally exist outside of Hindu civilization, but this relationship is complex, with many tribes interacting with larger societies.
Historically, during colonial times, tribes were viewed as isolated from other populations. However, post-independence studies highlight the close interactions between tribes and the broader society. Scholars like Sinha see tribes as part of a “little tradition” that exists alongside the “great tradition” of Hindu society. In contrast, Beteille emphasizes the interaction between tribes and state structures.
The transformation of tribes into castes has been observed by many scholars. For instance, Kosambi noted that tribal elements often merge into general society, and N.K. Bose pointed out the assimilation of tribes into Hindu society. Some well-known tribes that have undergone this transformation include the Bhils and Raj-Gonds. Various classifications by anthropologists show tribes moving towards incorporation into Hindu society, which suggests they are becoming less distinguishable from castes.
Roy Burman proposed a classification of tribes based on their orientation toward Hindu society, ranging from those incorporated into it to those indifferent. Elwin categorized tribes from the purest tribal groups to those fully adopted into Hindu culture. Despite such classifications, many scholars warn against oversimplifying this transformation. Roy Burman later cautioned that the shift from tribe to caste cannot be assumed without critical examination.
In summary, the relationship between tribe and caste in India is complex, with many tribes gradually integrating into Hindu society while still maintaining distinct cultural identities. The interplay of historical, social, and economic factors contributes to this ongoing transformation.
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