The approach towards tribal populations in India has been a subject of significant debate, with two prominent anthropologists, G. S. Ghurye and Verrier Elwin, offering contrasting perspectives that influenced early policy discussions.

G. S. Ghurye's View (Assimilationist): Govind Sadashiv Ghurye, a leading Indian sociologist, viewed tribals primarily as 'backward Hindus' or 'imperfectly integrated Hindus.' His perspective was rooted in the idea that tribal communities were historically part of the broader Hindu social fabric, and their distinctiveness was largely a result of geographical isolation and lack of interaction with mainstream society. Ghurye advocated for:

• Assimilation: He believed that the ultimate goal should be the assimilation of tribals into the mainstream Hindu society. He argued against any policy that would isolate them, fearing it would perpetuate their backwardness and prevent their integration into the national life.
• Cultural Integration: Ghurye saw tribal cultures as a less developed form of Hindu culture and believed that through education, social reforms, and increased interaction, tribals would naturally adopt the customs and practices of the dominant Hindu society.
• Opposition to Isolation: He strongly opposed the idea of creating 'national parks' or isolated zones for tribals, viewing such policies as detrimental to their progress and national unity.

Verrier Elwin's View (Isolationist/Protectionist): Verrier Elwin, a British anthropologist who spent much of his life working with Indian tribes, held a diametrically opposite view. He saw tribals as distinct cultural entities with unique identities that needed protection from the 'corrupting' influences of the plains people and mainstream society. Elwin advocated for:

• Protection and Isolation: He proposed a policy of 'benevolent isolation' or the creation of 'National Parks' for tribal communities. His argument was that contact with non-tribal societies often led to exploitation, cultural degradation, and the loss of tribal identity, rather than genuine development.
• Cultural Preservation: Elwin emphasized the richness and value of tribal cultures, traditions, and social structures. He believed that these should be preserved and allowed to evolve naturally, without external interference.
• Gradual Integration: While advocating for initial isolation, Elwin did not envision permanent segregation. He suggested a gradual and controlled integration, allowing tribals to choose elements from the outside world that they found beneficial, rather than having them imposed.

Policies of the Government of India towards Indian Tribal Populations: Post-independence, the Government of India adopted a nuanced approach, largely influenced by Jawaharlal Nehru's 'Tribal Panchsheel' (five principles), which sought to strike a balance between Ghurye's assimilationist and Elwin's isolationist views. The core policies are:

1. Constitutional Safeguards: The Indian Constitution provides special provisions for Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules. The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in various states, while the Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous district and regional councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, granting them significant legislative, executive, and judicial powers.
2. Affirmative Action (Reservations): STs are provided reservations in educational institutions, government employment, and legislative bodies (Parliament and State Assemblies) to ensure their representation and upliftment.
3. Integrated Development Programs: The government launched various programs like Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) and the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) approach. These aim for holistic development, focusing on education, health, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, while earmarking funds specifically for tribal areas.
4. Protection of Land and Forest Rights: Key legislations like the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), recognize and vest forest rights in forest-dwelling STs and other traditional forest dwellers. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas with control over natural resources and local governance.
5. Cultural Preservation: Policies emphasize respecting tribal cultures, languages, and traditions. Efforts are made to promote tribal arts, crafts, and languages, and to ensure that development interventions are culturally sensitive.
6. Protection from Exploitation: Laws are in place to prevent land alienation, regulate moneylending, and protect tribals from economic exploitation.

In essence, India's tribal policy has evolved into a complex strategy that seeks to achieve inclusive development and mainstreaming while simultaneously protecting tribal identity, culture, and rights. It attempts to integrate tribals into the national fabric on their own terms, ensuring their participation and benefit from development, rather than forced assimilation or complete isolation.