Tribes of India

Tribal Communities in India: History, Distribution, Challenges, and Development Measures

Tribal communities, often referred to as Adivasis, are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the Indian Peninsula. Before the caste system's emergence during the Brahminic age, Indian society was organized into various tribes. These tribes formed self-contained units without hierarchical discrimination. However, defining and studying tribal populations face complexities due to lack of clear criteria.

Tribal Population Growth:

The enumeration of Scheduled Tribes in India post-Independence resulted in tensions due to exclusion. The modification order of 1956 expanded the list, accounting for 23% of the population then. By 2011, tribal population comprised 8.61% of the total, with 97% residing in rural areas. Their growth rate from 2001 to 2011 exceeded the national average, with a favorable sex ratio.

Distribution of Scheduled Tribes:

Tribal communities tend to cluster in remote, less agriculturally suitable regions due to historical isolation. States like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya have high tribal populations, while Punjab, Haryana, and certain Union Territories lack scheduled tribes. Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have the highest proportions, with several states having over 10% tribal population.

Tribal Economy:

Tribal economies historically relied on hunting, fishing, gathering, shifting cultivation, and animal husbandry. These practices were adapted to local environments. However, external influences, including industrialization, have disrupted their traditional economic patterns.

Challenges Faced by Indian Tribes:

Tribal communities confront challenges such as loss of natural resource control due to industrialization, inadequate education, health issues, and gender disparities resulting from environmental degradation and economic shifts.

Measures for Tribal Development:

India's Constitution provides safeguards and provisions for tribal welfare. Article 342 defines Scheduled Tribes, and Article 164 establishes ministries in certain states. The Fifth Schedule covers administration in tribal areas. Representation is ensured in legislatures and panchayats. Concessions are given in service recruitment. A Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Tribes monitors safeguards. Various schemes and scholarships target tribal welfare, education, and development.

Tribal communities, as the original inhabitants of India, have a unique history and challenges. While they face issues stemming from economic shifts and environmental degradation, various constitutional measures and government initiatives strive to ensure their well-being and development.

Major Tribes in India: Arranged State-wise

Andhra Pradesh:  Andh, Sadhu Andh, Bhagata, Bhil, Chenchus (Chenchawar), Gadabas, Gond, Goundu, Jatapus, Kammara, Kattunayakan, Kolawar, Kolam, Konda, Manna Dhora, Pardhan, Rona, Savaras, Dabba Yerukula, Nakkala, Dhulia, Thoti, Sugalis, Banjara, Kondareddis, Koya, Mukha Dhora, Valmiki , Yenadis, Sugalis, Lambadis.

Arunachal Pradesh: Apatanis, Abor, Dafla, Galong, Momba, Sherdukpen, Singpho, Nyishi, Mishmi, Idu, Taroan, Tagin, Adi, Monpa, Wancho

Assam: Chakma, Chutiya, Dimasa, Hajong, Garos, Khasis, Gangte, Karbi, Boro, Borokachari, Kachari, Sonwal, Miri, Rabha, Garo

Bihar: Asur, Baiga, Birhor, Birjia, Chero, Gond, Parhaiya, Santhals, Savar, Kharwar, Banjara, Oraon, Santal, Tharu

Chhattisgarh: Agariya, Bhaina, Bhattra, Biar, Khond, Mawasi, Nagasia, Gond, Binjhwar, Halba, Halbi, Kawar, Sawar,

Goa: Dhodia, Dubia, Naikda, Siddi,Varli, Gawda.

Gujarat: Barda, Bamcha, Bhil, Charan, Dhodia, Gamta, Paradhi, Patelia, Dhanka, Dubla, Talavia, Halpati, Kokna, Naikda, Patelia, Rathawa, Siddi.

Himachal Pradesh: Gaddis, Gujjars, Khas, Lamba, Lahaulas, Pangwala, Swangla, Beta, Beda Bhot, Bodh.

Jammu and Kashmir: Bakarwal, Balti, Beda, Gaddi, Garra, Mon, Purigpa, Sippi, Changpa, Gujjar.

Jharkhand:  Birhors, Bhumij, Gonds, Kharia, Mundas, Santhals, Savar, Bedia, Ho, Kharwar, Lohra, Mahli, Parhaiya, Santal, Kol, Banjara.

Karnataka: Adiyan, Barda, Gond, Bhil, Iruliga, Koraga, Patelia, Yerava, Hasalaru, Koli Dhor, Marati , Meda, Naikda, Soligaru.

Kerala: Adiyan, Arandan, Eravallan, Kurumbas, Malai arayan, Moplahs, Uralis, Irular, Kanikaran, Kattunayakan, Kurichchan, Muthuvan.

Madhya Pradesh: Baigas,  Bhils, Bharia, Birhors, Gonds, Katkari, kharia, Khond, Kol, Murias, Korku, Mawasi, Pardhan, Sahariya,

Maharashtra:  Bhaina, Bhunjia, Dhodia, Katkari, Khond, Rathawa, Warlis, Dhanka, Halba, Kathodi, Kokna, Koli Mahadev, Pardhi, Thakur,

Manipur: Naga, Kuki, Meitei, Aimol, Angami, Chiru, Maram, Monsang, Paite, Purum, Thadou, Anal, Mao, Tangkhul, Thadou, Poumai Naga.

Meghalaya: Chakma, Garos, Hajong, Jaintias Khasis, Lakher, Pawai, Raba, Mikir.

Mizoram: Chakma, Dimasa, Khasi, Kuki, Lakher, Pawi, Raba, Synteng, Lushai

Nagaland:  Angami, Garo, Kachari, Kuki, Mikir, Nagas, Sema, Ao, Chakhesang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam,

Odisha:  Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Santhals, Bathudi, Bathuri, Bhottada, Bhumij, Gond, Juang, Kisan, Kolha, Kora, Khayara, Koya, Munda, Paroja, Saora, Shabar, Lodha.

Rajasthan: Bhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas(Minas), Patelia, Sahariya, Naikda, Nayaka, Kathodi.

Sikkim:  Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas, Limboo, Tamang

Tamil Nadu: Adiyan, Aranadan, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas, Kurumans, Malayali,

Telangana: Chenchus.

Tripura: Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte, Mag, Munda, Riang,

Uttarakhand: Bhotias, Buksa, Jannsari, Khas, Raji, Tharu.

Uttar Pradesh: Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu, Gond, Kharwar, Saharya , Parahiya, Baiga, Agariya, Chero

West Bengal: Asur, Khond, Hajong, Ho, Parhaiya,  Rabha, Santhals, Savar, Bhumij, Bhutia, Chik Baraik, Kisan, Kora, Lodha, Kheria, Khariam, Mahali, Mal Pahariya, Oraon,

Andaman and Nicobar:  Oraons, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.

 

Illiteracy Among India's Tribal Population

The measurement of a country's development often hinges on its overall literacy rate, reflecting the educational progress within its communities. In 1961, India's tribal population grappled with a meager literacy rate of merely 8.5%. Seeking to rectify this situation, the Indian government implemented an array of reservation initiatives. These comprehensive measures contributed to a noteworthy increase, propelling the tribal literacy rate to 63.1% as of the 2011 census. However, this growth was not uniform, revealing a gender disparity: male tribal members boasted a 71% literacy rate, while their female counterparts lagged at approximately 54%. The post-independence era has indeed witnessed concerted government efforts aimed at uplifting tribal communities, resulting in these remarkable gains.

Nevertheless, formidable challenges persist, impeding the pace of literacy advancement among tribal populations. Several obstacles underscore this predicament:

1. Economic Hardships: Economic frailty often restrains tribal families, compelling parents to prioritize additional earners to sustain their households, thereby dissuading them from sending their children to school.

2. Geographical Isolation: Remote and secluded habitats with scant transportation infrastructure isolate tribal communities from educational opportunities, casting a shadow on their access to learning.

In contemporary times, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and collectives have emerged as champions in this domain. Their initiatives warrant acknowledgement, particularly for candidates preparing for the UPSC 2022 examination. These entities are actively establishing schools in far-flung tribal villages, offering education in native languages and ensuring regular meals for students. Furthermore, they are empowering tribal adults with fundamental agricultural and handicraft skills, facilitating livelihood enhancement.

The year 1978 witnessed the establishment of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984. TRIFED's mandate encompasses the socio-economic upliftment of India's tribal populace.

Beyond their educational significance, tribal communities are integral to India's cultural fabric. Consequently, it behooves the government to intensify its endeavors in safeguarding and enhancing the living conditions of these communities by furnishing them with quality education.

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