For Admissions Contact @ 9133527733

Menu

Tribal Groups

Tribal Groups

Definition of Tribes

  • The term “tribe” refers to a social group having distinct cultural, economic, and political traits, usually living in isolation or semi-isolation from the mainstream society.
  • As per the Indian Constitution, “Scheduled Tribes” are those communities that are notified under Article 342, based on criteria such as:
    • Geographical isolation
    • Distinct culture
    • Primitive traits
    • Shyness of contact
    • Social and economic backwardness

Major Tribal Groups in India

India is home to over 700 tribal groups, accounting for about 8.6% of the total population (Census 2011). They are found across various ecological zones with unique languages, customs, and social systems.

Examples:

  • Gonds, Santhals, Bhils, Oraons, Mundas, Nagas, Mizos, Bodos, Jarwas, Great Andamanese, Todas, Khasis, etc.

Geographical Distribution of Tribes

1. Central Indian Tribes

  • Key States: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra.
  • Major Tribes:
    • Gonds: One of the largest tribal groups; spread across MP, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra.
    • Santhals: Primarily in Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha.
    • Bhils: Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP.
    • Oraons and Mundas: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha.

2. Northeastern Tribes

  • Key States: Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura.
  • Major Tribes:
    • Nagas: Comprising several sub-tribes (Ao, Angami, Konyak) in Nagaland.
    • Bodos: Indigenous to Assam, demand for Bodoland.
    • Mizos: Inhabit Mizoram; originally from Chin hills.
    • Khasis, Garos, Jaintias: Primarily in Meghalaya.

3. Andaman & Nicobar Tribes

  • Great Andamanese: Once widespread, now restricted to Strait Island.
  • Jarwas: Live in forest interiors of South and Middle Andaman; protected tribe.
  • Sentinelese: Live in isolation on North Sentinel Island; highly protected, avoid outside contact.
  • Onges & Shompens: Reside in Little Andaman and Nicobar Islands respectively.

Socio-Economic Challenges Faced by Tribes

Land Alienation Loss of land due to deforestation, mining, industrialization, and encroachment.
Displacement Large-scale displacement from development projects (e.g., dams, SEZs).
Lack of Education Low literacy rates, high dropout rates, language barriers.
Health Issues Malnutrition, lack of health facilities, prevalence of endemic diseases.
Loss of Culture & Identity Mainstreaming threatens traditional customs, dialects, and practices.
Political Marginalization Underrepresentation in policy-making and governance.

Government Policies for Tribal Welfare

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs/STs.
  • Fifth Schedule: Provisions for the administration of Scheduled Areas (mainly central India).
  • Sixth Schedule: Special provisions for Autonomous District Councils in Northeast India.

Major Government Initiatives

Scheme/Program Objective
TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing) Promotes fair trade of tribal products and forest produce.
Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana Focuses on education, health, livelihood, and skill development.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools Provides quality education to tribal students.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for MFP Assures income for minor forest produce collected by tribals.
PESA Act (1996) Empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to govern local resources.
Forest Rights Act (2006) Recognizes land and forest use rights of forest-dwelling tribes.
Scroll to Top