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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2024/Paper II/Tribal India
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2024 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Artisan Tribes of Jharkhand — 2024 Paper II

Question · 2024 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Artisan tribes of Jharkhand

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Introduction In Indian Anthropology, particularly in L.P. Vidyarthi’s occupational typology of Indian tribes, "Specialized Artisan Tribes" form a distinct category. In the Chota Nagpur plateau of Jharkhand, these tribes possess specialized indigenous technological knowledge and operate within a symbiotic, forest-based socio-economic network with larger agrarian tribes, rather than functioning as isolated industrial units.

Major Artisan Communities and their Specializations

  • Asur: The most prominent artisan tribe, historically known for indigenous iron-smelting. Their technological knowledge is deeply intertwined with ethno-ecology and magico-religious beliefs (worship of Singbonga). They hold immense ethno-archaeological importance.
  • Lohra and Karmali: Traditional blacksmiths who manufacture and repair agricultural implements, household tools, and hunting weapons for neighboring cultivators.
  • Mahli: Specialized in bamboo craft, basketry, and mat weaving. Their livelihood depends heavily on access to forest resources.
  • Chik Baraik: The traditional weavers of the region, historically supplying handwoven cloth to the local tribal populations.

Anthropological Dimensions of their Economy

  • Symbiotic Interdependence: These artisan groups exist in a state of mutual dependence with dominant agrarian tribes like the Santhals, Mundas, Oraons, and Hos.
  • Reciprocal Exchange Networks: Their economic transactions historically mirrored the Hindu Jajmani system, but lacked the strict hierarchical purity-pollution dynamics. Payment was usually in kind (grain) during harvest seasons, reinforcing social solidarity and reciprocal obligations rather than simple commercial exchange.
  • Embedded Economy: As Karl Polanyi suggested, their economic activities are deeply "embedded" in their social and ritual lives. For instance, specific tools are crafted not just for utility, but for ritual significance during tribal festivals.

Contemporary Anthropological Challenges

  • Resource Alienation: Stringent forest laws and deforestation have severely restricted the Mahlis' access to bamboo and the Asurs' access to charcoal and specific ores.
  • Market Penetration & Displacement: The influx of cheap, mass-produced factory goods (plastics, factory iron) has rendered traditional crafts economically unviable, forcing occupational displacement. Many are migrating as unskilled wage laborers.
  • Cultural Loss: The shift to market economies is leading to the erosion of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and the loss of the socio-ritual status these tribes once held in the village matrix.

Conclusion The artisan tribes of Jharkhand are living repositories of indigenous technical knowledge. Anthropological interventions suggest that their survival requires moving beyond mere "museumization." It demands the protection of their forest rights (under FRA, 2006), integration into fair-trade markets through cooperatives (like TRIFED), and safeguarding their intellectual property and cultural rights through mechanisms like Geographical Indications (GI).

2026 Dravidian language family and its tribal speakers. 2026 Buddhist tribes of India. 2026 Nature-Man-Spirit-Complex. 2026 Make a critical appraisal of Surajit Sinha's line of argument that tribes and castes may not be isolated social categories, but are a part of the great Indian civilization.

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2024 — Paper II

28 questions

1(d) Artisan tribes of Jharkhand

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Situation in India > Socio-economic Characteristics > Artisan tribes; Jharkhand
2024Paper IITribal IndiaModel answer available

5(a) B.K. Roy Burman's concept of 'Buffer Zone'

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Administration and Policy > Isolation-Assimilation-Integration > Roy Burman; buffer zone
2024Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

1(a) Digitisation of rural economy

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > Indian Village > Economy and Change > Digitisation of the rural economy
2024Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(b) Origin of State Societies

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > Political Organization > State Formation > Origin of state societies
2024Paper IIEconomic & Political AnthropologyModel answer available

5(d) Status of Sixth Schedule Areas

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > Constitutional Safeguards > Fifth and Sixth Schedules > Sixth Schedule areas
2024Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

1(c) Syro-Malabar Christians

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > Impact of Religions on Indian Society > Christianity > Syro-Malabar Christians
2024Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available