Early British Tribal Policy In India With Special Reference To North East Frontier Region

Abstract

The British colonial era in India, beginning in the 17th century, brought about categorization of the population into distinct groups for targeted development through laws and policies. Tribals, living with intricate custodial practices, faced disruption as the British exploited forest resources, altering their traditional territories. Introduction of foreign concepts like private property and altered forest governance eroded tribal rights. Uprisings like the Kherwar and Birsa Munda movements arose against this oppression. British policies ranged from isolation to integration, exemplified by the "National Parks" proposal for tribal protection. Region-specific policies like the Inner Line Permit and Scheduled Tracts Act in North-East India accommodated unique tribal justice systems. These policies aimed to govern tribal areas distinctively due to their customs. In essence, the colonial period shaped tribal dynamics with varied policies, impacting traditional structures and the connection between tribes and territories. This intricate interplay between preservation and change continues to influence modern tribal communities in India.