Outline the criteria used by N.K. Bose to classify tribal communities in India.

N.K. Bose, an eminent anthropologist, classified tribal communities in India based on various criteria. His classification considered a combination of social, economic, and cultural characteristics, recognizing the diverse nature of tribal societies. The criteria used by N.K. Bose for classifying tribal communities are as follows:

1. Social Organization:

• Kinship System: Bose examined the kinship structures within tribal communities, considering factors such as descent patterns, kinship terminology, and marriage customs.
• Social Stratification: The presence or absence of social hierarchies and stratification within tribal groups was a crucial factor. This involved assessing the existence of tribes with clearly defined social classes or egalitarian social structures.

2. Economic Patterns:

• Subsistence Strategies: Bose considered the primary modes of subsistence, such as hunting and gathering, agriculture, pastoralism, or a combination of these. The dominance of a particular subsistence pattern played a role in classification.
• Economic Integration: The level of economic integration with mainstream societies, as well as self-sufficiency or dependency, was taken into account.

3. Cultural Features:

• Language and Dialects: Bose examined linguistic diversity among tribal communities, considering the languages or dialects spoken by different groups.
• Religious Beliefs and Practices: Cultural and religious practices, including rituals, ceremonies, and belief systems, were important criteria for classification.
• Material Culture: Differences in material culture, including tools, clothing, and housing, were considered as indicators of cultural distinctiveness.

4. Geographical Distribution:

• Geographical Location: Bose considered the geographical distribution of tribes, taking into account factors such as their habitat, terrain, and proximity to other tribal or non-tribal communities.
• Spatial Concentration: The concentration of tribes in specific regions or ecological zones influenced the classification, recognizing regional variations.

5. Political Organization:

• Political Structures: The presence or absence of centralized political authority, the nature of leadership, and decision-making processes within tribal communities were considered.
• Relations with External Authorities: Bose examined the interaction and integration of tribal communities with external political entities, such as colonial administrations or modern nation-states.

6. Historical and Demographic Factors:

• Historical Background: Bose considered the historical background of tribal communities, including their interactions with dominant cultures, migrations, and historical events.
• Demographic Characteristics: Population size, density, and demographic trends were taken into account for classification purposes.

7. Social Change and Adaptation:

• Response to Change: Bose analyzed how tribal communities responded to external influences, technological changes, and socio-cultural transformations.
• Adaptability: The degree of adaptability to changing circumstances and the impact of modernization on traditional ways of life were considered.

In summary, N.K. Bose's classification criteria for tribal communities in India involved a comprehensive examination of social organization, economic patterns, cultural features, geographical distribution, political organization, historical factors, and the adaptive responses to change. This holistic approach aimed to capture the diversity and complexity of tribal societies in the Indian context.