The correct answer is: d) All of the above
Verrier Elwin was a British anthropologist and administrator who played a significant role in documenting tribal cultures, advocating for tribal rights, and shaping colonial policies.
Elwin was born in England in 1902 and came to India in 1927 to work as a missionary. He soon became interested in tribal cultures and began to study them in depth. He wrote several books on tribal cultures, including “The Baiga” (1939), “The Agaria” (1944), and “The Muria and Their Ghotul” (1947).
Elwin was also a strong advocate for tribal rights. He worked to protect tribal lands and to prevent them from being exploited by outsiders. He also campaigned against the practice of forced labor, which was common in many tribal areas.
Elwin’s work had a significant impact on colonial policies towards tribal peoples. His writings helped to raise awareness of the plight of tribal peoples and led to the adoption of some policies that were designed to protect their rights.
Elwin died in 1964. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the study of tribal cultures and in the fight for tribal rights.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- a) Documenting tribal cultures: Elwin was a pioneer in the study of tribal cultures. He spent many years living with tribal peoples and learning about their way of life. He wrote several books on tribal cultures, which are still considered to be authoritative works.
- b) Advocating for tribal rights: Elwin was a strong advocate for tribal rights. He worked to protect tribal lands and to prevent them from being exploited by outsiders. He also campaigned against the practice of forced labor, which was common in many tribal areas.
- c) Shaping colonial policies: Elwin’s work had a significant impact on colonial policies towards tribal peoples. His writings helped to raise awareness of the plight of tribal peoples and led to the adoption of some policies that were designed to protect their rights.