Features of Tribe

FEATURES / CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRIBE

The chief characteristics / features of a tribe are the following:

1. Definite common topography: The tribe inhabits and remains within a definite and common topography. In the absence of a common topography, the tribe would also lose its other characteristic features, such as community sentiments, common language, etc. For this reason, a common habitat is essential for a tribe.

2. Sense of Unity: Unless and until a group living in a particular area and using that area as a common residence does not possess a sense of unity, it cannot be called a tribe. A sense of unity is an invariable necessity for a true tribal life. The very existence of a tribe depends upon the tribe’s sense of unity during times of peace and war.

3. Common Language: Tribe members speak a common language, which helps to generate and evolve a sense of communal unity.

4. Endogamous group: The members of a tribe generally marry into their own group, but now, due to increased contact with other tribes and an increase in means of transportation, the system of marrying within the tribe is also changing.

5. Ties of blood relationship: A major cause of the sense of communal unity in the tribe is the tie of blood relationships between its members. The members of the tribe have faith in their having descended from a common, real or mythical ancestor and hence believe in blood relationships with other members.

6. Political organization: Each tribe has its political system. The tribal chief normally exercises authority over all the other members. The chieftainship is normally hereditary. In this way, each tribe has its political organization, which maintains harmony, avoids notes of discord among its members, and protects them.

7. Common Name: Every tribe has its own name, and each is known to other tribes by its distinctive name. Some examples of Indian tribes are Garo, Khasi, Khasa, Naga, Limbu, Santal, Munda, Gond, Kota, Badaga, Urali, Todas, etc.

8. Common territory: A tribe is a territory community. This means the tribe has a definite territory in which its members reside. For example, the Naga, Rengma Naga, Sema Naga and other tribals reside in Nagaland; Garos, Khasis, and Khasas live in Assam; Bhils live in Madhya Pradesh; Soligas live in Mysore; Todas live in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nada, and so on.

9. Common Culture: Each tribe has a distinctive way of life, behaving, thinking, feeling and acting. Each tribe has its customs, traditions, morals, values, peculiar institutions of belief and culture. A tribe's peculiarities reveal its distinctive culture.

The state and central governments continue to do a great job of empowering tribes, educating them, cladding them, providing health care and arranging for their living by developing skills.