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0 min readIntroduction
Verrier Elwin (1902-1964) was a British-born Indian anthropologist and tribal activist who became a pivotal figure in shaping India's post-independence tribal policy. Initially working with tribes in Central India, his focus shifted to the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), now Arunachal Pradesh, where he served as an anthropological advisor to the government from 1954. Elwin's philosophy for the region was deeply influential, advocating for a distinct approach to tribal development that sought to protect indigenous cultures from what he perceived as the detrimental impacts of rapid modernization and external assimilation, leading to a policy often described as "cultural isolation" or "pristine preservation."
Verrier Elwin's Philosophy for Arunachal Pradesh (NEFA)
Verrier Elwin's philosophy for the tribal communities of NEFA was fundamentally rooted in the idea of protecting their unique cultures and ways of life from the potentially disruptive forces of mainstream Indian society and rapid development. His approach, often termed the "National Park" policy, emphasized allowing these communities to develop "along the lines of their own genius."Key tenets of his philosophy included:
- Cultural Preservation: Elwin strongly believed that the traditional arts, customs, and social structures of tribal communities were valuable and should be encouraged and protected, rather than replaced by external influences.
- Minimal Intervention: He advocated for limited administrative intervention and a cautious approach to introducing modern development schemes, fearing that over-administration could overwhelm and disorient tribal societies.
- Protection of Land and Forest Rights: A cornerstone of his philosophy was the safeguarding of tribal rights over their ancestral land and forests, recognizing their intrinsic link to tribal identity and livelihood. He opposed the influx of outsiders who could exploit these resources.
- Training Local Cadres: Elwin stressed the importance of training and building a team of indigenous people for administration and development work, minimizing the reliance on external personnel.
- Qualitative Progress: He argued that development should not be judged merely by statistics or monetary expenditure, but by the qualitative improvement in human character and the preservation of their unique identity.
This philosophy heavily influenced Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's "Tribal Panchsheel" (Five Principles for NEFA), enunciated in Elwin's book 'A Philosophy for NEFA' (1957). These principles served as the guiding policy for tribal administration in the region for several decades.
The Tribal Panchsheel (influenced by Elwin)
- People should develop along the lines of their own genius, and we should avoid imposing anything on them.
- Tribal rights in land and forests should be respected.
- We should try to train and build up a team of their own people to do the work of administration and development.
- We should not over-administer these areas or overwhelm them with a multiplicity of schemes.
- We should judge results not by statistics or the amount of money spent, but by the quality of human character that is evolved.
While celebrated for his compassionate and protective stance, Elwin's philosophy also faced criticism for potentially leading to isolation, hindering tribal communities from accessing the benefits of modern development, and perpetuating a romanticized view of tribal life. Despite these critiques, his contributions were instrumental in shaping a more nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to tribal governance in India.
Conclusion
Verrier Elwin's philosophy concerning Arunachal Pradesh (NEFA) was a pioneering attempt to formulate a protective and culturally sensitive administrative policy for tribal communities. His "National Park" approach, encapsulated in Nehru's Panchsheel, prioritized cultural preservation, land rights, and indigenous leadership, aiming to prevent the exploitation and disintegration often associated with rapid modernization. Although his ideas faced criticism for potentially promoting isolation, Elwin's enduring legacy lies in advocating for the "right to difference" for tribal groups, significantly influencing subsequent policies and fostering a greater understanding of India's diverse indigenous populations.
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