IGNOU BSW-044 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BSW-044 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU BSW-044 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. What is Migration ? Explain the causes and consequences of migration among the tribals.

Ans. Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another across a geographical or socio-political boundary, with the intention of settling permanently or semi-permanently. In the context of tribal communities, migration often has profound effects on their traditional lifestyle, economy, and cultural identity. Causes of Migration among Tribals: The causes of tribal migration can be broadly categorized into ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors.

• Push Factors: These are negative conditions that compel tribals to move out of their native habitats. Major factors are:
  • Land Alienation and Forest Policies: Colonial and modern state policies have deprived tribals of their traditional land and forest rights, snatching away their livelihood base.
  • Development-Induced Displacement: Large development projects like dams, mines, industries, and wildlife sanctuaries have led to the mass displacement of tribal populations.
  • Poverty and Indebtedness: Low agricultural productivity, lack of livelihood opportunities, and exploitation by moneylenders trap tribals in a cycle of debt, forcing them to migrate in search of work.
  • Social Discrimination: Facing discrimination and exploitation even in their own regions is also a reason for migration.
• Pull Factors: These are the attractions that draw tribals towards urban or more developed areas. They include:
  • Employment Opportunities: Cities offer employment in unskilled labour sectors like construction sites, brick kilns, and as domestic help.
  • Better Wages: The wages offered in urban areas, though low by urban standards, appear attractive compared to rural earnings.
  • Aspiration for a Better Life: The allure of urban facilities like education, healthcare, and entertainment also acts as a significant pull factor.

Consequences of Migration:

• Cultural Erosion: Away from their community, migrants start losing their language, customs, and traditional knowledge. Their cultural identity gets diluted.
• Exploitation: In urban areas, tribal migrants often work in the unorganized sector where they are exploited, facing low wages and poor working conditions.
• Social Disintegration: Migration breaks down traditional family structures and community solidarity. It leads to problems like women-headed households and neglect of the elderly left behind.
• Poor Living Standards: Migrants often live in unhygienic conditions in urban slums, lacking basic amenities.
• Positive Consequences: In some cases, migration brings income back to the village through remittances and provides migrants with exposure to new skills.

In summary, while migration can offer some economic opportunities, its negative socio-cultural consequences for tribal communities are often more severe.

Q2. Describe the family system, food habits and festivals of the Khasis of Meghalaya.

Ans. The Khasi tribe, predominantly residing in Meghalaya, is renowned for its unique matrilineal social structure and rich cultural traditions. Family System: The Khasi society is matrilineal , meaning lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother. It is not matriarchal, as political and key social decision-making powers still rest with men, particularly the maternal uncle ( Kñi ).

• Lineage: The descent is traced from the mother, and children adopt their mother’s surname.
• Inheritance: According to customary law, the youngest daughter ( ka iing khadduh ) becomes the custodian of the ancestral property. She is expected to care for her parents and perform religious ceremonies. Other daughters also receive a share of the property.
• Marriage: After marriage, the husband goes to live in his wife’s house. The maternal uncle (mother’s brother) is a very important and respected figure in the family, playing a significant role in family matters.
• Clan: The society is divided into various clans or ‘Kur’, which trace their descent from a common ancestress. Marriage within the same ‘Kur’ is forbidden.

Food Habits:

The staple food of the Khasis is rice (

Kha

). They are fond of non-vegetarian food, including pork, beef, chicken, and fish.

• Jadoh: This is a very popular and delicious dish made of rice and pork, often cooked with pig’s blood and spices.
• Tungtap: This is a fermented dry fish paste, used as a flavourful chutney.
• Bamboo Shoots: Fresh and fermented bamboo shoots are extensively used in various dishes.
• They also consume locally available herbs and vegetables. Rice beer (ka kiat) is a traditional beverage.

Festivals:

Khasi festivals are primarily agrarian and community-based, reflecting the unity of the community.

• Nongkrem Dance: This is one of the most important festivals, celebrated to thank the gods for a good harvest and for the prosperity of the community. It lasts for five days and involves goat sacrifice (‘Pomblang’) and a traditional dance by unmarried girls.
• Shad Suk Mynsiem: This means ‘Dance of the Joyful Heart’. It is a thanksgiving dance held in April after the sowing season. Men and women in traditional attire dance to the tunes of drums and pipes.

Q3. Explain the status of women in Naga Society.

Ans. The status of women in Naga society is a complex and multifaceted subject. While the society is largely patriarchal , women hold significant roles in the economic and social spheres, whereas their participation in traditional political structures has been limited. Economic Role:

• Backbone of Agriculture: Naga women are traditionally the backbone of the agrarian economy. They are responsible for most of the tasks associated with jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation, including sowing, weeding, and harvesting.
• Weaving and Handicrafts: Naga women are excellent weavers. The shawls and textiles they weave are not just for domestic use but are also symbols of social status, clan, and achievement. This is also an important source of income for them.
• Household Management: The entire responsibility of running the household, raising children, and taking care of the family rests on the women.

Social Status:

Women are respected within the family and social life. They are not considered weak but as essential for the economic stability of the family. However, decision-making power has traditionally been in the hands of men. Land ownership and inheritance are also patrilineal, passing through the male line.

Political and Decision-Making Role:

• Exclusion from Traditional Councils: Traditionally, women were not allowed to participate in village councils and other decision-making bodies. These forums were considered the domain of men.
• Modern Challenges: Although things are changing in modern times, women’s representation in politics is still very low. Nagaland has seen opposition to reservation for women in state and local bodies, often viewed as a violation of traditional norms.

Modern Developments and Empowerment:

The spread of education and exposure to the outside world has improved the status of Naga women. Many women are now employed in various professions.

Organizations like the

Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA)

have emerged as a powerful force for women’s empowerment. The NMA has played a crucial role in peace-making, campaigning against substance abuse, and advocating for women’s rights, thereby increasing the influence and visibility of women in society.

In conclusion, Naga women are economically indispensable and socially respected, but they are still struggling to achieve political equality and access to decision-making power.

Q4. Explain the administrative structure among the tribes of Manipur.

Ans. The administrative structure of the tribes of Manipur, particularly among the Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups, is a blend of both traditional and modern systems. The traditional structure is centred on the village, led by a chief and a council of elders. Traditional Administrative Structure: The tribes of Manipur can be broadly classified into two groups with their own distinct administrative systems: the Nagas and the Kukis. 1. Naga Tribes (e.g., Tangkhul, Mao, Zeme):

• Village Chief (Khullakpa): The head of the village administration is the chief, known as ‘Khullakpa’ or ‘Khunbu’. He is the founder of the village or his descendant and is responsible for the general welfare of the village.
• Council of Elders: The Khullakpa is assisted by a council of elders, composed of representatives from different clans, known by various names like ‘Luplak’ or ‘Hangvai’ among different tribes. This council performs judicial, legislative, and executive functions.
• Functions: The council settles disputes, especially those related to land use, enforces customary laws, organizes socio-religious festivals, and manages relations with the outside world. Decisions are usually taken by consensus.

2. Kuki Tribes (e.g., Thadou, Paite, Hmar):

• Village Chief (Haosa): The Kuki system is more autocratic . The village chief, called ‘Haosa’, holds immense power. The chieftainship is hereditary, usually passing to the eldest son.
• Land Ownership: All land in the village theoretically belongs to the chief. The villagers cultivate his land and in return, pay him a portion of their produce or a fixed tax.
• Chief’s Council: The chief is assisted by an advisory council (Semang-Pachong), but the final decision rests with him. He is the chief judge and administrator in the village.

Modern Administrative Structure:

Alongside the traditional systems, a modern administrative framework exists. Under the

Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Act, 1971

, six

Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)

were established in the hill areas of Manipur for self-governance and development.

These councils are elected bodies and are given authority over certain matters like land management, forests, education, and local development. However, there is often a conflict of powers and jurisdiction between the ADCs and the traditional systems of village chiefs. Thus, the tribal administrative structure in Manipur reflects a complex co-existence between traditional leadership and modern democratic institutions.

Q5. Describe religious beliefs and social customs of any two tribes of Assam.

Ans. Assam is home to numerous tribes, each with its unique religious beliefs and social customs. A description of two major tribes, the Bodos and the Karbis, is provided below. 1. The Bodo Tribe Religious Beliefs:

• Bathouism: The traditional religion of the Bodos is ‘Bathouism’, a form of animism and ancestor worship. Their supreme deity is Bathoubwrai , who is considered the creator of the five basic elements of nature – earth, water, air, fire, and ether.
• Sijou Tree: Bathoubwrai does not have a physical form or idol. He is worshipped in the symbolic form of the ‘Sijou’ plant (Euphorbia splendens), which is planted in the northeast corner of the courtyard. This plant symbolizes life and unity.
• Other Deities: They also worship Mainao (goddess of wealth) and other natural forces. Over time, many Bodos have also adopted Hinduism and Christianity, but Bathouism remains a significant part of their identity.

Social Customs:

• Patriarchal Society: Bodo society is patriarchal, with the father as the head of the family.
• Clans (Ari): The society is divided into several patrilineal clans called ‘Ari’. Marriage within the same ‘Ari’ is prohibited.
• Bwisagu: This is the most important festival of the Bodos, celebrated in the spring, similar to the Bihu festival of Assam. It is a time of joy, dance, and music.

2. The Karbi Tribe

Religious Beliefs:

• Hemphu-Mukrang Religion: The traditional religion of the Karbis is animistic, where they worship various gods and spirits. Their supreme deity is Hemphu , considered the creator of the universe, along with his consort Mukrang.
• Nature and Ancestor Worship: They worship natural entities like mountains, rivers, and forests. Ancestor worship (‘Karhi’) is also a significant part of their religious practices, as they believe that deceased ancestors influence the lives of the living.
• Religious Rituals: Their religious rituals are performed by priests (‘kurusar’) and often involve animal sacrifices.

Social Customs:

• Clans (Kur): The Karbi society is divided into five major clans: Ingti, Terang, Teron, Timung, and Inghi. These are called ‘Kur’. Two more clans, Lekthe and Langpok, were added later.
• Exogamy: These clans are exogamous, meaning marriage between members of the same clan is not permitted.
• Karbi Youth Festival: This is a major annual event that provides a platform for Karbi youth to showcase and preserve their culture, traditions, dances, and music. It plays a vital role in maintaining their cultural identity.
• Death Rituals: The Karbis have very elaborate death rituals, which are an important social occasion for the community.

Q6. Name the major tribes of Tripura. Explain the religious features of the tribes of Tripura.

Ans. Tripura, which means “land near water,” is a culturally diverse state with numerous indigenous tribal communities. Major Tribes of Tripura: There are 19 Scheduled Tribes in Tripura. Some of the major tribes are:

• Tripuri (or Debbarma): This is the largest and the dominant tribe of the state.
• Reang (or Bru): This is the second-largest tribe in the state.
• Jamatia: Another significant tribe, closely related to the Tripuri people.
• Chakma: They are predominantly followers of Buddhism.
• Halam: This is a collective group of several sub-clans.
• Noatia
• Garo
• Lushai

Religious Features of the Tribes of Tripura:

The religious beliefs of the tribes of Tripura are a complex mix of traditional animistic practices and elements from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

1. Traditional Beliefs (Folk Religion):

• The traditional religion of the tribes is polytheistic and animistic . They worship various forces of nature, such as water (which they call ‘Twima’), forests, earth, and mountains.
• The Fourteen Deities (Chaudda Devata): The traditional guardian deities of the royal family of the Tripuris are the fourteen gods. Their worship, during the ‘Kharchi Puja’, is one of the most important state festivals. These deities are a mix of Hindu and tribal gods.
• Garia Puja: This is another extremely important festival among the tribes. It is celebrated in the month of Vaisakh (April). It involves the worship of Lord Garia, the god of wealth and prosperity, symbolized by a bamboo pole. The puja involves sacrificing chickens, and people sing and dance.

2. Influence of Hinduism:

• Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavism and Shaivism , has had a profound influence on the tribes of Tripura, especially the Tripuri, Jamatia, and Noatia. Many tribal deities have come to be identified with Hindu gods. The Tripuri kings of the Manikya dynasty actively promoted Hinduism.

3. Other Religions:

• Buddhism: The Chakma and Mog tribes are predominantly followers of Theravada Buddhism.
• Christianity: Some tribes, such as the Lushai and sections of Kuki groups living in areas adjoining Mizoram, have converted to Christianity, largely due to missionary activities.

In essence, the religious world of Tripura’s tribes is a vibrant tapestry that reflects their ancient animistic worldview, their long-standing contact with Hinduism, and the presence of other major religions.

Q7. What is Enthnobotany and Folk Medicine ? Explain.

Ans. Ethnobotany and Folk Medicine are two interrelated concepts crucial for understanding the knowledge systems of traditional societies, especially tribal communities. Ethnobotany: Ethnobotany is the scientific study of the relationships between people and plants . It explores how people of a particular culture or region use the plants around them. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines botany (the study of plants) and anthropology (the study of human cultures). The scope of ethnobotany includes the study of:

• The use of plants for food, medicine, shelter, clothing, and tools.
• The symbolic and spiritual significance of plants in rituals, ceremonies, and folklore.
• Traditional systems of classifying and naming plants.
• Traditional agricultural systems and methods of plant conservation.

In essence, it documents and analyzes the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) related to plants.

Folk Medicine:

Folk medicine, also known as traditional medicine, is the body of

knowledge, skills, and practices

used in diagnosing, preventing, and treating illnesses within a culture. This knowledge and practice are passed down through generations, often orally.

The main components of folk medicine are:

• Herbal Remedies: The use of plants, roots, barks, leaves, and flowers to treat ailments. This is the most common form of folk medicine.
• Spiritual Healing: The use of chants, prayers, rituals, and charms to drive away illness, often based on the belief that sickness is caused by evil spirits or displeasure of gods.
• Manual Techniques: Physical procedures like massage and bone-setting.

Explanation and Relationship:

Ethnobotany and folk medicine are deeply intertwined.

The herbal component of folk medicine is directly based on ethnobotanical knowledge.

In tribal societies, traditional healers—known by various names like

Ojha, Vaidya, or Shaman

—are repositories of vast ethnobotanical knowledge. They know which plant can cure which disease, how to find it, when to collect it, and how to prepare it as medicine. This knowledge is vital for the health security of their community.

For example, the traditional use of Cinchona bark to treat malaria or Willow bark as a painkiller are classic examples of folk medicine, the basis of which is ethnobotanical knowledge. Modern medicine has also developed many drugs (like quinine and aspirin) from this traditional knowledge. Thus, ethnobotany is a critical tool for the scientific study and validation of folk medicine.

Q8. Enlist the major tribes of Rajasthan. Highlight the characteristics of any two tribes.

Ans. Rajasthan, known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, is also home to several indigenous tribal communities, predominantly residing in the southern and eastern parts of the state, especially in the Aravalli mountain ranges. Major Tribes of Rajasthan: The major Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan include:

• Meena
• Bhil
• Garasia
• Sahariya
• Damor
• Kathodi

Characteristics of Two Tribes:

1. Bhil:

• Historical Background and Distribution: The Bhils are one of the largest and oldest tribal groups in India. In Rajasthan, they are mainly concentrated in the districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, and Udaipur. The term ‘Bhil’ is believed to have originated from the Dravidian word ‘billu’ or ‘vil’, meaning ‘bow’, reflecting their traditional mastery in archery.
• Economy: Traditionally, they were hunters and gatherers, but now their economy is mainly based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and wage labour . Maize is their staple crop.
• Religion and Culture: The religion of the Bhils is a mix of animism and Hinduism . They worship local deities and spirits alongside Hindu gods like Shiva. The Ghoomar dance , now an identity of Rajasthan, was originally a traditional dance of the Bhil tribe. The Baneshwar Fair is their largest and most important religious gathering.
• Social Structure: Their society is divided into numerous clans, and they have their own justice system where the village council, or ‘Panch’, resolves disputes.

2. Meena:

• Historical Background and Distribution: The Meenas are the largest and most educated tribe in Rajasthan. They are mainly found in the districts of eastern Rajasthan like Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, and Alwar. They claim their origin from the ‘Matsya’ (fish) avatar of Lord Vishnu and were once rulers of the region.
• Socio-Economic Status: The Meena tribe is socially and economically more advanced compared to other tribes. They are predominantly settled agriculturists and, due to a higher level of education, have good representation in government jobs, especially in civil services and police.
• Social Division: The Meenas are mainly divided into two major classes: the ‘Zamindar Meenas’ (who were landowners) and the ‘Chowkidar Meenas’ (who worked as watchmen for rulers). The Zamindar Meenas consider themselves socially superior.
• Culture: While they have largely adopted mainstream Hindu culture, they still maintain their distinct identity, clan (gotra) system, and specific customs. They have their own effective Panchayat system that governs social norms.