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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2014/Paper II/Ethnicity, Tribal Movements & Social Change
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2014 15 Marks Model Answer Available

Rise of Ethno-nationalism Among Indian Tribes — 2014 Paper II

Question · 2014 · Paper II · 15 Marks

Discuss the rise of ethno-nationalism among Indian tribes with specific example.

Model Answer

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Approach

  • Demand of Question: Explain the emergence of ethno-nationalism among tribal groups and illustrate its development through one specific Indian example.
  • Structuring the Response: Define ethno-nationalism, identify its major causes and discuss the Naga movement as a case study.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: Ethnicity, territory, cultural identity, political autonomy, colonial experience, Naga nationalism, Naga National Council and state formation.

Model Answer

Introduction: Ethno-nationalism refers to political mobilization in which a community defines itself as a distinct people on the basis of shared ethnicity, territory, culture, language and historical consciousness, and seeks political autonomy or self-determination.

Among Indian tribes, ethno-nationalism has emerged particularly where tribal identity is strongly territorial and has been challenged by administrative or political incorporation.

Factors promoting tribal ethno-nationalism

Important factors include:

  • distinct language and culture;
  • historical territorial consciousness;
  • geographical concentration;
  • colonial administrative separation;
  • fear of cultural assimilation;
  • political marginalization;
  • competition over land and resources;
  • emergence of educated tribal leadership.

Thus:

Ethnic identity + Territorial consciousness + Political grievance → Ethno-nationalism

Naga ethno-nationalism: an example

The Naga movement provides a major example of tribal ethno-nationalism in India.

  1. Historical background

The Nagas comprise several culturally and linguistically distinct tribal groups inhabiting parts of Northeast India and adjoining areas.

Under colonial rule, many Naga areas remained relatively administratively separated from the plains.

This contributed to the development of a consciousness of cultural and territorial distinctiveness.

  1. Political organization

The Naga Club, formed in 1918, represented an early organized expression of Naga political identity.

Later, the Naga National Council (NNC) emerged as a major political organization.

Under leaders such as A.Z. Phizo, sections of the movement demanded political independence.

  1. Bases of Naga nationalism

Naga nationalism drew upon:

  • shared perception of distinct ancestry;
  • tribal customs;
  • territorial attachment;
  • Christian institutional networks;
  • opposition to external political control.

A larger collective identity was developed across previously autonomous tribal groups.

Thus:

Separate tribes → Shared Naga identity → Political nationalism

  1. Political consequences

Prolonged conflict eventually contributed to:

  • creation of Nagaland state in 1963;
  • constitutional protections under Article 371A;
  • continuing negotiations over autonomy and political settlement.

Article 371A provides special protection concerning Naga:

  • religious and social practices;
  • customary law;
  • administration of civil and criminal justice involving customary law;
  • ownership and transfer of land and resources.

Anthropological significance

The Naga case shows that ethnicity is not merely inherited; it can also be politically consolidated.

Processes involved include:

  • selection of shared cultural symbols;
  • creation of common historical narratives;
  • territorial identification;
  • political organization.

Critical assessment

Ethno-nationalism can strengthen:

  • cultural protection;
  • political representation;
  • demands for self-governance.

However, it may also produce:

  • inter-ethnic boundary disputes;
  • competing territorial claims;
  • internal factionalism.

Conclusion

The rise of tribal ethno-nationalism in India reflects the interaction of cultural identity, territorial attachment and political marginalization. The Naga movement demonstrates how diverse tribal groups can construct a wider ethnic nationality and mobilize for political autonomy while seeking constitutional protection of their distinctive institutions.

2026 Tana Bhagat movement. 2026 Kumar Suresh Singh's contribution in studying tribal movements. 2026 Discuss the impact of Christianity on the tribal population of Jharkhand. 2025 Regionalism and Autonomy

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