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Castes and Tribes of Northeast India

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Specifications
Publisher: Shubhi Publications, Gurgaon
Author Compiled By T. C. Crawford
Language: English
Pages: 360
Cover: HARDCOVER
9x6 inch
Weight 560 gm
Edition: 2025
ISBN: 9788182905528
HBQ901
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Book Description
About the Book
The caste and tribal systems in Northeast India reflect a complex mosaic of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity distinct from the broader Indian subcontinent. Unlike the traditional four-tier Varna system prevalent in much of mainland India, caste hierarchies are less rigid or even absent among many indigenous communities in the Northeast. The region is predominantly inhabited by tribal populations, including the Nagas, Mizos, Khasis, Garos, Bodos, and others, cach with unique languages, customs, and governance systems rooted in clan-based or chieftain models. Most tribes in the Northeast follow customary laws and practices that differ significantly from Hindu caste norms. For instance, the Khasi and Garo tribes in Meghalaya follow a matrilineal system, where lineage and inheritance pass through the mother. Similarly, Naga tribes are organized around village republics with strong egalitarian values, although traditional village councils and chieftains wield considerable influence. Scheduled Castes (SC) form a small percentage of the population in the region and are mostly found in Assam and Tripura. In these states, caste distinctions are more prominent due to historical influences of the caste-based social order from neighbouring Bengal and other regions. However, in much of the tribal-dominated hill states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, caste-based discrimination is minimal or non-existent.

The Indian Constitution recognizes many of these tribes as Scheduled Tribes (ST), providing them with safeguards and affirmative action to preserve their distinct identities and promote socio-economic development. Together, caste and tribal affiliations continue to shape the region's cultural and political landscape.

Foreword
At my suggestion, the compilation of this volume has been undertaken by members of the Staff of the Tea Districts Labour Association, presenting in a convenient form information bearing on the various castes and tribes employed on Tea Estates in Northern India. The necessity for such a book of reference has been suggested to me by Managers, who have not the leisure to go to the original sources for the information they require, but who realise the disabilities under which they labour from lack of a knowledge of the idiosyncrasies of the people with whom they work. As originally planned, the scheme was to have consisted of a table of castes and tribes and their habitat, together with descriptive notes; introductory chapters have now been added, it being felt that a general survey of primitive peoples and the stages by which they have evolved their superstitions and beliefs was necessary and would avoid much repetition in the discussion of particular communities. Thurston's "Castes and Tribes of Southern India," Russell's "Castes and Tribes of the Central Provinces," Risley and Crooke have been freely drawn upon throughout.

Introduction
The last quarter of a century in India has witnessed a rapid growth in all branches of industry, an unprecedented exploitation of mineral products and a very marked advance in railway and allied enterprises; the possibilities of Indian resources have been realised and capital has responded readily to any call which promised an adequate return. The years have seen the initiation and application of European science to the development of Coal Mines, Manganese Mines, Jute and Cotton Mills, Tea Estates, Sugar and Lac Factories, Tron and Steel Works.

With the development of these industries has come an increased demand for labour to meet the exigencies of the changed conditions, until now, the position is such that the supply of available labour, even of the most unskilled type, is by no means equal to the demand. Competition in securing the requisite labour has accordingly been intensified and an already difficult position has been rendered more acute by reason of the fact that indigenous labour is insufficient to meet even local requirements for agriculture. The question of caste and traditional occupation is a very important factor in the labour problems of the present day-certain castes having acquired a social status by reason of their occupation and any deviation from the prescribed and recognised means of subsistence renders the offender liable to social ostracism.

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