Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes

7.1 Exploitation, Deprivation & Constitutional Safeguards (SCs, STs, OBCs)

(Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes)

Constitutional Safeguards & Protective Discrimination

1. Constitutional safeguards for Backward Classes. (2024)
2. Examine the impact of Forest Policies from 1878 to 2006 on land alienation and deprivation of rights of tribal communities in India. (2024)
3. Discuss the economic, social and developmental impacts on tribal communities with special reference to mining. (2024)
4. PESA – compare functioning of traditional Tribal Councils and Gram Sabhas. (2022)
5. Role of the Governor in Fifth Schedule Areas. (2022)
6. Issues and solutions related to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe populations. (2022)
7. Critically evaluate the state of implementation of the constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes. (2020)
8. What are the constitutional safeguards to protect the interests of the Indian tribes? (2019)
9. Discuss the salient features of PESA Act of 1996 and attempt a comparison with the features of the VI Schedule. (2018)
10. Write a note in 150 words on Tribe and Scheduled Tribe. (2018)
11. Critically discuss the constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes. (2017)
12. Write in detail various provisions provided by the Constitution of India for the Scheduled Tribes under Vth and Vlth Schedules. (2016)
13. Write a note in 150 words on Role of Governor in Fifth Schedule Areas. (2015)
14. Critically examine the constitutional provisions for safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Tribes in India. (2014)
15. Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are built on the foundations laid by the colonial Government. Discuss. (2013)
16. Write a note on Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. (2009)
17. Write a note on Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Castes. (2007)
18. Write a note on National Commission for SCs and STs. (2004)
19. Critically examine the merits and demerits of reservation policy for the STs, SCs and OBCs. (2002)
20. Discuss the provisions and significance of the protective discrimination policy towards Scheduled Castes. Assess its impact on their social mobility. (1990)
21. Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes. (1996)
22. Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Tribes. (1994, 1987)
23. Discuss some of the important provisions in our Constitution which are meant to protect the interest of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. What impact have these had so far? (1981)

Exploitation, Deprivation & Social Disabilities

1. Examine the factors responsible for the exploitation of Scheduled Castes in India. (2016)
2. Write short notes on Politics of recognition and deprivation in about 150 words. (2021)
3. Discuss how British policies dispossessed tribals of their communal properties and agricultural lands. (2013)
4. Discuss the social disabilities suffered by Scheduled Castes. (2013)
5. Write a note in 150 words on The problem of bonded labour among Indian tribes. (2010)
6. Do you think that exploitation emanates from clash of self-interest between groups? Discuss in the context of tribals and non-tribals. (2002)
7. Write a note on Distinguish between exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes. (1995)
8. What are the major socio-economic problems faced by the Scheduled Castes? Point out the criteria for diagnosis and suggest the remedial measures. (1993)
9. Identify the main problems of the Scheduled Castes and discuss the measures adopted to solve them. (1985)
10. Write an essay on the social disabilities experienced by the Scheduled Castes and discuss the important efforts made to alleviate the same. (1982)

Reservation & Social Mobility

1. Evaluate the extent to which existing reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have led to social mobility among them. What suggestions would you make for adding an economic criterion in extending reservation to the ‘forward’ castes? (1991)

Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

1. How are Other Backward Classes identified? Enumerate their important features and elucidate recent changes in their social and economic life. (2023)
2. Write a note in 150 words on Other Backward Class. (2017)

Tribal Economy / Subsistence Note

1. Write a note in 200 words: Types of subsistence economy of Indian tribes. (1984)

7.2 Social Change & Contemporary Tribal Societies

(Democratic institutions, development programmes, welfare measures, social transformation of tribals & weaker sections)

Democratic Institutions & Governance

1. Describe the functions of Tribal Research Institutes in India. (2020)
2. Give a critical appraisal of any one tribal development programme during XIIth Five-Year Plan. Suggestions for improvement. (2017)
3. Describe how various tribal development programmes and plans have impacted the process of social transformation among tribes. (2016)
4. Discuss the nature of social change in tribal India under the impact of developmental programmes. (2015)
5. Write a note in 150 words on Relevance of Tribal Panchsheel today. (2015)
6. Examine the relevance of Tribal Panchsheel by Jawaharlal Nehru in light of emerging development practices. (2012)
7. Write a note in 150 words on Tribal Panchsheel. (2011)
8. How have modern democratic institutions influenced Indian tribal societies? Assess. (2008)
9. Estimate the role of democratic institutions/organisations for the development of weaker sections and the welfare measures adopted by them. (1997)

Development Programmes & Welfare Measures

1. Critically assess the existing plans and programmes meant for tribal welfare. (2019)
2. Give a note on Programmes for Tribal Development. (2006)
3. Write a note on MADA, LAMPS, TRIFED. (2000)
4. Write a note on ITDA. (1998)
5. Write a note on People’s participation in tribal development. (1995)
6. Make an evaluation of welfare measures adopted by the government for the betterment of Scheduled Tribes in India. (1984)

Social Change & Transformation

1. Critically review the processes of social changes contemporary Indian society is undergoing. (2006)
2. Write a note on Direction of tribal change. (1993)
3. Write a note on Tribes in transition. (1985)

Socio-Economic Problems & Solutions

1. Examine the impact of non-tribal contact on socio-cultural institutions of tribal people with examples. (2013)
2. Examine the impacts of Green Revolution on rural poor. (2013)
3. Describe the efficacy of legislative measures adopted by the Government to tackle socio-economic problems of SCs. Suggest further measures. (1994)
4. What are the distinct segments in the backward population of India? What special approaches do you recommend for their development? (1983)
5. Discuss the role of education as an instrument of socio-economic change among the weaker sections of India. (1982)

Tribal Art & Cultural Change

1. Write a note in 150 words on Commodification of Tribal Art. (2012)
2. Write a note on Tribal Art in India. (1985)
3. Write a note on Advantages of Ashram school in tribal areas. (1986)

7.3 Ethnicity, Tribal Movements, and National Integration in India

(The concept of Ethnicity, Ethnic conflicts and political developments; Tribal unrest; Regionalism and demand for autonomy; Pseudo-tribalism; Social change during Colonial & Post-Independent India; National Integration)

Concept of ethnicity, colonial constructs & language of identity

1. Regionalism and Autonomy. (2025)
2. Pseudo-tribalism. (2025)
3. Discuss the rising ethnic conflicts in India and propose their possible remedial measures. (2025)

4. Critically evaluate the concept of Nation-State and describe its impact on indigenous societies. (2025)

Distinguishing between ethnic identity and ethnicity, discuss the factors responsible for ethnic conflict in tribal areas. (2023)

1. Regionalism as an opportunity and threat to national integration. (2022)
2. Write short note on the Concept of Ethnicity. (2020)
3. Write a note in 150 words on Ethnicity and regionalism. (2019)
4. Write a note in 150 words on Ethnicity and regionalism. (2017)
5. Write a note in 150 words on Tribe as a colonial construct. (2016)
6. Write a note in 150 words on Colonial Ethnography. (2012)
7. Discuss the anthropological understanding of rising ethnicity among Indian tribes in the context of nation-building. (2007)
8. Write a note on Concept of Ethnicity. (2008)
9. Write a note on Ethnicity. (1993)

B) Tribal unrest, conflicts, extremism & resource/rights

1. Identify the causes of tribal unrest with special reference to North-East India. (2021)
2. Explain the reasons of caste violence in India with suitable examples. (2020)
3. Discuss the various factors resulting in tribal unrest in various parts of India. (2018)
4. Write a note in 150 words on Rights over resources and tribal unrest. (2015)
5. Write a note in 150 words on Government action towards Left-Wing Extremism. (2013)
6. Write a note in 150 words on Left-wing extremism and tribals in India. (2011)
7. Write a note on Tribal unrest in Central India. (2009)
8. Write a note on Positive and negative response of the tribals to Governmental measures. (1994)
9. Define ethnic identity and discuss its emergence in the context of tribal unrest. (1989)
10. Taking the example of any region, describe the radical changes taking place in tribal societies and assess their future outcome. (1983)

C) Regionalism, autonomy & ethno-nationalism

1. Write a note in 150 words on The role that regionalism plays in demand for autonomy among Indian tribes. (2016)
2. Discuss the rise of ethno-nationalism among Indian tribes with a specific example. (2014)
3. Analyse the factors influencing tribal regionalism, citing Indian examples. (2010)
4. What is regionalism? Evaluate how it has stimulated political movements in India. (2003)
5. Discuss the significance of regionalism and communalism in ethno-political movements in the present political system. (1997)
6. Identify the factors responsible for regionalism in contemporary India. (1995)
7. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of linguistic States in the context of national integration. (1987)

D) National integration, divisive forces & pluralism

1. Religious pluralism and social solidarity. (2023)
2. What are the major issues of National Integration in India? How has it been eroded in recent years? Remedies? (1989)
3. Assertion of ethnic identity post-Independence: analyse vis-à-vis constitutional safeguards and national integration. (1988)
4. Write a note on Regional Disparity and National Integration. (1988)
5. Write a note on Issues relating to national integration. (1986)
6. Write a note on Role of ethnic groups in national integration. (1985)
7. Discuss the divisive factors disrupting national integration in India. Suggest solutions. (1984)
8. Discuss the divisive factors disrupting national integration in India. Counter-measures? (1992)
9. Write a note on Cultural pluralism and national integration. (1990)

E) Colonial vs post-Independence administration & policy for tribal areas

1. Identify the changes in administration of tribal areas from colonial to post-Independence India. (2005)
2. Compare the approach towards tribal communities during Colonial and Post-Independence periods. (2011)
3. Discuss and compare the approaches towards the tribes during colonial and post-independent India. Do you find significant change? (2010)
4. Outline the historical background of tribal administration during the colonial period. Evaluate post-Independence policies with reference to Fifth/Sixth Schedules. (2000)
5. Describe the history of tribal administration in the colonial period. (2014)

F) Mainstreaming without loss of identity; wider national role

1. What suggestions would you make to bring tribal peoples into the national mainstream without obliterating their separate identity? (1987)
2. What has been the contribution of tribal people to the Indian Independence movement? (2019)

7.4 Social Movements among Tribal Society

(Revitalization, Identity, Regional Movements, State Formation, Revivalistic & Ethnic struggles)

Tribal Identity & Sociopolitical Movements

1. Write a note in 150 words on Ethnic movements in India. (2013)
2. Discuss the role of socio-political movements in the emergence of tribal identity in the Indian context. (1990)

Revitalization & Revivalistic Movements

1. Write a note on Revivalistic Movements. (2008)
2. Critically review the Tana Bhagat Movement – causes and effects. (2006)
3. Discuss the socio-economic and political characteristics of revitalization movements in tribal India. How are they affected by culture-contact with outsiders? (1991)

Specific Tribal Movements (Regional/State-based)

1. Write an essay on the life history of tribal activist and freedom fighter Birsa Munda. What was the impact of his sacrifice on tribal society? (2024)

1. Compare tribal movements in North-East and Central India; current status. (2022)
2. Write a note on Birsa Movement. (2001)
3. Write a note on Jharkhand Movement. (1999)

State Formation & Political Role

1. Assess the political and economic role of tribal and rural movements in the creation of the new states of Uttaranchal, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. (2000)

Classification & Causes of Tribal Movements

1. Identify the causes and consequences of major tribal movements in India. (2003)
2. Classify the tribal movements in contemporary India in a regional perspective and analyse contributive factors. (2004)
3. Write a note on Tribal movement – pros and cons. (1994)