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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2014/Paper II/Tribal Problems & Displacement
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2014 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Forest Policy and Tribes — 2014 Paper II

Question · 2014 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Forest policy and tribes

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Examine the changing relationship between forest policy and tribal communities, particularly its impact on customary resource rights.
  • Structuring the Response: Trace the shift from colonial exclusion to conservation-oriented and rights-based approaches.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: Colonial forest laws, Indian Forest Acts, National Forest Policy, Joint Forest Management, Forest Rights Act and tribal livelihoods.

Model Answer

Introduction: Forests are central to tribal economy, culture and identity, but state forest policies historically transformed customary community resources into administratively controlled forests.

Under colonial rule, the Indian Forest Acts of 1865, 1878 and 1927 expanded state control over forests. Traditional practices such as:

  • shifting cultivation;
  • grazing;
  • hunting;
  • collection of forest produce

were restricted or converted from customary rights into concessions.

This produced:

State control → Reduced tribal access → Livelihood stress and unrest

Post-independence forest policy initially retained a strong production and conservation orientation. The National Forest Policy, 1988 marked an important change by emphasizing:

  • ecological stability;
  • participation of local communities;
  • meeting subsistence needs.

Joint Forest Management sought community participation, though control often remained unequal.

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 represented a rights-based shift by recognizing individual and community forest rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.

However, problems remain in:

  • recognition of claims;
  • displacement;
  • conservation-development conflicts.

Conclusion: Forest policy has gradually moved from exclusionary state control toward participatory and rights-based management, but genuine tribal empowerment requires recognition of customary tenure and community control over forest resources.

2026 Make a critical appraisal of Niyamgiri movement against mining-induced displacement. 2026 Write an account on the prevalence of sickle cell disease among the tribal populations of India. What are the initiatives undertaken by the affected states to tackle with this disease? 2026 What are the major challenges tribal communities are facing in contemporary India? 2025 Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India.

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2014 — Paper II

28 questions

5(c) Forest policy and tribes

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.3 Development of forest policy and tribals
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1(c) Great tradition and Little tradition

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Interplay of little and great traditions
2014Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(e) Impact of Christianity on tribes

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies > Christianity
2014Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(d) Major linguistic divisions of India

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 2. Demographic profile of India > Linguistic elements and their distribution
2014Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

1(a) Neolithic cultures of N-E India

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Neolithic > North-East India
2014Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(d) The concept of PTG

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 The concept of PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups) > Distribution and special programmes
2014Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

1(b) Tribe-Caste continuum

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.2 Caste system in India > Tribe-caste continuum
2014Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available