Question

List two reasons why Adivasis are becoming increasingly marginalized.

Answer 1

• While portraying adivasis in movies, books, social functions, there is stereotyping of Adivasis in India. They are portrayed wearing different types of colourful costumes, wearing headgears etc, although our knowledge about their lives is highly limited.
• People believe that they are backward, primitive and exotic. Stereotyping can lead to discrimination of people.
• Today, Adivasis in India are powerless and marginalised communities.
• Before the colonial period Adivasis practiced shifting cultivation, they were hunter gatherers and lived a nomadic lifestyle.
• Due to political force applied through private and state industries, forest policies and economic changes, Adivasis have been forced to migrate and work as domestic workers, work in industries, construction sites and plantations.
• They do not have any access to their forest areas.