0.3 Conclusion
From the discussions made in 28 chapters under seven thematic organisations, we can safely conclude that tribal religion cannot be studied in the context of a tribe as a distinct community7.
Obviously, the topic lacks the base of community dimension when different religious denominations or sects co-exist along with the traditional faith and beliefs of a tribe. Traditional faith, beliefs, and practices professed at present are, however, not the same as they were a few generations or a century ago. The traditional religious worldview of tribes had to negotiate with external forces to retain its existence. The contemporary context of tribal religion exists as it evolved/evolves from its interaction with state, political bargaining, neighbouring religions, and missionary activities; expresses in shifting worldview, etic perspectives; and through institutionalisation process and accommodation in multi- and cross-cultural space. These dynamics provide possibilities to understand tribal religion in perspective. The scope of these dynamics is further expanded in the companion volume entitled The Routledge Handbook of Tribe and Religions in India: Contemporary Readings on Spirituality, Belief, and Identity to engage our attention in reconstructing the perspective of tribal religion.Notes
1 Tribal rebellions and movements for the fight for their rights against the British administration that levied heavy taxes and captured tribal lands and resources have been well-documented (see Raghavaiah 1971).
2 Conversion of tribes to Christianity was at the core of the ‘civilising mission’ of colonialism. Tribes of many Northeastern states of India were converted to Christianity as part the British colonialist policy. Tribal communities in states like Nagaland and Mizoram are also largely Christian. Andaman Home was built to assist in the mission to convert the Nicobarese tribal communities.
(see Protman 1899).3 The Ahoms and the Deories of Assam adopted Hinduism. The latter have adopted Hindu identity through the process of assimilation and acculturation. In more recent years several tribes have adopted various sects of Hinduism like Kabir panth, neo-Vaishnavism, Swaminarayan Sampradaya, etc.
4 The criminal category was instituted to persecute tribes through the Criminal Tribes Acts of 1871 and 1911. The term 'tribe' is a colonial construct that was used for a section of the Indian populace and is academically used even today. The Scheduled Tribe category has been defined and is used according to the provisions of the Constitution of India to safeguard tribal rights.
5 The government of India is committed to the social and economic empowerment of tribes and promoting social justice through various policies, programmes and schemes according to the provisions of the Constitution.
6 In the study of social categories, a sense of exclusivity is predominant.
7 About two or three tribes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands like the Sentenelese and Jarwa we can say that their religion is community based due to their aversion to outsiders.
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