Mains Answer Writing
Concept Mapping Mentorship- Covering Syllabus Through Themes
- GS & Optional
Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.
Category: Indian Society (GS-I),
Test Date: 15 Feb 2022
Approach:
- Brief introduction about tribal knowledge system (30 words)
- Mention unique features of tribal knowledge systems and how are they different from mainstream knowledge and cultural systems? (90 words)
- Conclusion (30 words)
The tribal knowledge systems have originated from centuries of observation of nature, especially the behaviour of birds and animals. Knowledge has been passed from one generation to the other solely by oral tradition, depending largely on observation by the younger generation.
It is unique due to the following reasons-
- Sustainable economic development- Tribals are dependent on forests for their livelihood but their methods are sustainable and conservative. For example, the Aka tribe of Arunachal Pradesh uses traditional ways of hunting, fishing and extraction of materials whereas the contractors from mainstream communities engage in overexploitation of forest resources.
- Unique medicinal knowledge- The plants used by the tribal population are different from AYUSH medicinal plants to treat a particular disease. For example, Rauwolfia serpentina is used as an antidote to snakebite by the tribal community, but reserpine isolated from the plant has been used to treat hypertension.
- Traditional values and ethics- It is related to natural resource harvesting, conservation, and equitable sharing. It is visible in the concept of sacred groves, seasonality based practices like restriction of fishing during breeding season etc. However, people from mainstream communities focus on resource exploitation for largely monetary gains.
- Gender parity- As per census 2011 data, sex ratio and female labor force participation are better vis-a-vis average values in the country. Moreover, many tribal communities used to practice polyandry such as Todas tribes of Nilgiris, which reflects greater value to females.
- Disaster management- Tribals have been aware of the indigenous methods to protect themselves from natural disasters. Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands are aware of historical methods to protect themselves from cyclones.
- Traditional technical knowledge- It is related to the design and development of tools, implements and gears for different applications related to agriculture and animal husbandry etc.
Conclusion:
While mutual interaction is visible among tribal and mainstream culture, it is necessary to preserve tribal knowledge by appropriate documentation, including them in disaster management, policy making, thus making India truly inclusive in nature and spirit.
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