'Criminal' Tribes of Punjab

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book 'Criminal' Tribes of Punjab by , Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781136517860
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 27, 2012
Imprint: Routledge India Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781136517860
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 27, 2012
Imprint: Routledge India
Language: English

One of the important projects launched by the British government in the late 19th century was the preparation of a detailed census of the demographic profile of the Indian population across the country. Unable to understand the cultural pluralism that characterizes Indian unity in variety, the census was riddled with problems of definition and categories.

This book is a comprehensive ethnographic account of seven tribes in Punjab, classified as ‘criminal’ by the British administration, in order to make some sense of their alleged criminality: Bauria, Bazigar Banjara, Bangala, Barad, Gandhila, Nat and Sansi. The problem of definition of tribe and the issue of criminality are discussed critically. More importantly, the book shows that, contrary to the claims of the Punjab government, these ‘ex-criminal’ tribes still exist and constitute the poorest of the poor in an otherwise prosperous state. It also addresses to a significant current development of various Denotified Tribes’ Associations in Punjab (and other states as well) that have already started raking their long pending demand of Scheduled Tribe status. It is suggested that if their demands are not suitably addressed to they may take recourse to the Gujjar way of resolving conflict as in Rajasthan.

As tribes the world over are slowly facing extinction, this important book will serve to archive the ethnographies of these ‘ex-criminal’ tribes. An unusual feature of the book is the voices of a few of the elderly in these tribes whose reminiscences about their traditions, beliefs and practices have been documented.

The book will be valuable for those in the fields of sociology, anthropology, social history, tribal and ethnic studies, cultural and folk studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

One of the important projects launched by the British government in the late 19th century was the preparation of a detailed census of the demographic profile of the Indian population across the country. Unable to understand the cultural pluralism that characterizes Indian unity in variety, the census was riddled with problems of definition and categories.

This book is a comprehensive ethnographic account of seven tribes in Punjab, classified as ‘criminal’ by the British administration, in order to make some sense of their alleged criminality: Bauria, Bazigar Banjara, Bangala, Barad, Gandhila, Nat and Sansi. The problem of definition of tribe and the issue of criminality are discussed critically. More importantly, the book shows that, contrary to the claims of the Punjab government, these ‘ex-criminal’ tribes still exist and constitute the poorest of the poor in an otherwise prosperous state. It also addresses to a significant current development of various Denotified Tribes’ Associations in Punjab (and other states as well) that have already started raking their long pending demand of Scheduled Tribe status. It is suggested that if their demands are not suitably addressed to they may take recourse to the Gujjar way of resolving conflict as in Rajasthan.

As tribes the world over are slowly facing extinction, this important book will serve to archive the ethnographies of these ‘ex-criminal’ tribes. An unusual feature of the book is the voices of a few of the elderly in these tribes whose reminiscences about their traditions, beliefs and practices have been documented.

The book will be valuable for those in the fields of sociology, anthropology, social history, tribal and ethnic studies, cultural and folk studies.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Developments in Labour Market Analysis by
Cover of the book Reproductive Freedom, Torture and International Human Rights by
Cover of the book The Theological Frontier of Ethics by
Cover of the book Tourism Forecasting and Marketing by
Cover of the book Critical Approaches to American Working-Class Literature by
Cover of the book Across Space and Time by
Cover of the book Agriculture in World History by
Cover of the book Building Executive Function by
Cover of the book Shame in Context by
Cover of the book Ralph Vaughan Williams by
Cover of the book White Mythologies by
Cover of the book Indians of the Andes by
Cover of the book Medieval Ships and Warfare by
Cover of the book The Sociology of Risk and Gambling Reader by
Cover of the book Youth Street Gangs by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy