For the purposes of the study of the tribal population, the whole country can be divided into seven principal tribal regions namely: 1. The oceanic tribal groups of India ii. The forest tribes of southern India.iii. The forest tribes of central India. iv. The western tribal region. v. The forest tribes of eastern India. vi. The forest tribes of northeastern India. vii. The forest tribes of north India.
1. The Oceanic Tribal Groups of India:
The main areas under this region include the Andaman Island, the Nicobar Island and the Lakshadweep Island. The Andaman Island is the homeland of six tribal groups, inhabiting for thousands of years in the verdant tropical rain forests. Those living in the Andaman Islands are short in stature, dark skin colour with peppercorn hair and identify themselves as negrito (a sub-group of negriod people).
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They are Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese. They are however, quite distinct from the African tribes. Each of this tribe has a different dialect and conventional territory division. In spite of their close proximity to certain foreign countries and lying close to the main commercial routes in the Bay of Bengal, their continuing primitive ways of life remains a riddle.
On that basis, the Constitution of India provided for their statutory recognition. Like in much other case in India, the Census was one of the earliest to document them from as early as 1901. In a pioneering attempt, Sir Richard C. Temple, first Census Superintendent of this territory gave a detailed account of the ethnographic, anthropological, demographic, social and cultural aspects of the lives of the various primitive tribes found in these islands in the census report of 1901.
The census report of 1931 by Bonnington also gave an account of the tribals of these islands. Dr. Hutton, the Census Commissioner of India in 1931 listed these primitive tribes in the 1931 Census Report. The count of tribal groups of A & N Islands is however, debatable since 100 per cent enumeration in the true sense of them was not possible but their numbers were estimated. In few cases, only headcount was possible for many years.
However, all these tribes were variedly estimated between 5,000-8,000 around 1780s when the British first attempted to colonize these islands. As a result of contact with the advanced and civilized people, these tribes started dwindling very fast due to killing by the colonizers coupled with diseases and dissipation which resulted from such contacts. Till the 1961 census, enumeration of the Andamanese of the Andaman group and the Nicobareses of Nicobar group of islands was made only.
At the 1961 census, the Shom Pens of Great Nicobar and the Onges of Little Andaman were also enumerated for the first time. At the 1981 census, Jarawas were enumerated for the first time during the contact tour, though their population was estimated to be 200 persons.
The major tribal communities that reside in Lakshadweep are Aminidivi, Koyas, Malmis and Malacheris. Aminidivis are believed to be the first group of people to have started inhabiting these islands. They started living in an island named Amini and today it is teeming with Aminidivi people. They are most well known for their handmade crafts. They are also acknowledged for their different rituals and unique way of celebrating festivals making their festivals a grand affair.
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Malacheris are considered to be the main working community on the island. Their main profession is to gather nuts from coconut trees. Koyas are the land owners of Lakshadweep and Malmis are the one who work for them. Malayalam is the most commonly used language in Lakshadweep.
2. The Forest Tribes of Southern India:
This particular region consists of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Most of the forest tribes are concentrated in Western Ghats and hilly forested areas some of them are considers cave dwellers and mostly live in forest.
The state wise forest tribes are described here under:
a. Tamil Nadu:
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The majority of the forest tribes in Tamil Nadu belong to the following tribes- Todas, Kadars, Irulas, Kotas, Kattunaikas, Kurumans, Muthuvans, Paniyans, Pulayans, Malayalees, Kurumbas, Eravallans, Kanikkars, Mannans and Paniyans. According to the Census Report 2001, the total tribal population in Tamil Nadu is 6,51,321 (1.04 per cent of the total population in Tamil Nadu).
There are six Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Tamil Nadu, such as Irular, Kattunaikan, Kotas, Kurumbar, Paniyan and Todas. Majority of tribals are living under the poverty line and have lost their indigenous identities. Government’s schemes have not reached them and still many villages do not have basic amenities like drinking water, schools, electricity, road and transport. Exploitation, ignorance and discrimination are some of the stumbling blocks for the tribal development.
b. Karnataka:
Total tribal population in the State is 3.46 million which constitutes 6.6 per cent of the total State population. 49 tribal communities are currently identified in this state. Raichur and Bellary contain large number of tribal communities. Toda, Beda, Soliga, Hakki-Pikki, Konda Kapu, Koraga, Bhils, Chenchu, Gonds, Maleru, Badaga, Hasala, Meda, Iruliga, Jenu Kuruba, Erava and Siddis are some important tribes of Karnataka.
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All of them profess some religious beliefs and practice many rituals. A series of monographs published by Karnataka Sahitya Academy under the stewardship of Baraguru Ramachandrappa provide ample information about these tribes. Tribal religions and rituals are under constant pressure from the major organized religions.
In general, the tribes that remain geographically isolated are able to retain their traditional cultures and religions longer. On the other hand, communities that are either nomadic or live in the periphery of civilized life are prone for drastic changes. Most of the tribal beliefs and rituals are highly localized and they are not influenced by the major religions.
Most of the tribal communities in Karnataka worship their own deities in addition to the Gods imposed from the main stream religions. The major forest tribes in karnataka are Kadu Kurumbas, Koragas, Soligas, Betta Kurumbas, Pani Yeravaa, Male Kudiyas, Kudiyas, Jenu Kurubas, Hallakki Okkaligaru, Siddi, Akkipikki Soligaru, Kadugoll and Mukuria.
Soligas:
The Bamboo Children:
Soligas are the semi nomadic tribes living in and around the BR Hills and MM Hills areas. They live in harmony with nature and speak proto Dravidian type of ancient Kannada. The soliga forest tribes worship Doddasampige, the gigantic Champak tree (Michelia champaca) believed to be over thousand years old, revered by the Soligas as a manifestation of their God Madeshwara.
Soligas believes to have originated from a forest god, Karappa. There is a myth that the lord Karappa will protect the forests, man and animals. The Soligas speak directly to their deities or celebrate them in the most lyrical of songs and poetry. Since time immemorial, Soligas were practicing shifting agriculture. Pastoral, shifting and settled agriculture are the traditional agricultural systems followed by the Soligas.
Soligas follow two types of agroforestry systems they are mixed and multistoried cropping systems. Soligas depend on forest for all their needs without greed. When they have to cut the small trees for the construction of huts, they seek the blessings and permission of the god.
After cutting, they confess their mistake and pray for forgiveness. After cutting, they place a stone on the stump of the tree because they believe that the soul of dead tree will transmigrate from the leaves to the stone. And this stone on weathering form soil which will provide nutrients to plants and other forms of life.
c. Andhra Pradesh:
There are 33 Adivasi communities were identified in this state. The majority of them belong to the following tribes – Chenchus, Koyas, Gadabas, Konda, Doras, Konda Kapur, Konda Reddis, Sugalis/Lambadis, Yenadis, Yerukulas, Bhils, Gonds, Kolams, Pradhans and Valmikis. According to the Census Report 2001, the state share of tribals in the state is 6.6 per cent which has 5 million tribals.
Andhra Pradesh state has both SAs and non-SAs. The Northern Andhra Pradesh is entitled as SA under the Fifth Schedule, where most of Adivasis depends on non-timber forest produce for their livelihoods and basic needs. However, in Southern Andhra Pradesh, tribals have lost their forest rights and identities.
d. Kerala:
There are 36 tribal communities listed in this state. The majority of them belong to the following tribes – Paniyas, Malakuravans, Malayarayans, Malavetans, Malayans, Mannans, Ullatans, Uralis, Vishawans, Arandans, Kattunaykans, Koragas, Kadar, Kurichians, Kurumans, Pulayans, Malsars and Kurumbas.
The state has the tribal population of 3,64,189 which is 1.1 per cent of total State population. The primitive vulnerable tribal groups in Kerala are Chola Naikker, Kattunaikker, Kurumbar, Kadar and Korugar. Wayanad is the most backward district of Kerala. More than one third of the tribals of Kerala State reside in Wayanad district.
Major communities found in the district are Paniyan, Mullu Kuruman, Kurichian, Kattunaickan, Adiyan and Urali Kuruman. Adiya, Paniya and Kattunaikan are the three tribal communities which are still seriously underdeveloped comparing with the others. Tribal labourers can be generally categorized into three groups, namely – agricultural labourers, marginal farmers and forest dependents.
3. The Forest Tribes of Central India:
a. Madhya Pradesh:
Major population of Indian tribals lives in Madhya Pradesh (14.51 per cent). The population of tribals in Madhya Pradesh is 12.2 million constituting 20.3 per cent of the total population of Madhya Pradesh. There are 46 recognized scheduled tribes and three of them have been identified as “Special Primitive Tribal Groups” in the State.
Major tribal communities in MP are Gond, Bhil, Baiga, Korku, Bhariya, Halba, Kaul, Mariya and Sahariya. Dhar, Jhabua and Mandla districts have more than 50 per cent tribal population. In Khargone, Chhindwara, Seoni, Sidhi and Shahdol districts 30 to 50 per cent population is of tribes. Maximum population is that of Gond tribes (Sadguru Foundation 2012).
b. Chhattisgarh:
Chhattisgarh state is a repository of minerals and diverse cultural legacy. Chhattisgarh and tribal culture are two tautological terms since one third of the state’s populace is dominated by tribals. The state has the tribal population of 6.61 million which is 31.8 per cent of total State population. The tribes of Chhattisgarh are unique race who mainly inhabit the dense forests of Bastar.
In fact, more than 70 per cent of Bastar’s population is composed of tribals. The lifestyle of the tribal people is unique and imbibed with traditional rituals and superstitions. They are a friendly and jovial lot who are industrious and diligent. Although shrouded in poverty, they live life to the hilt and love to celebrate every joyous occasion. Food, drink, music, dance, mirth and merriment add colour to their simple lives.
The tribal women also love to adorn themselves in ethnic jewelry. One of the Chhattisgarh’s eminent tribes is the Gonds or the Kotoriya tribe. The etymological connotation of their name comes from the Telegu term “Kond” meaning hills. The Gonds dominate most of Chhattisgarh’s tribal population and primarily depend upon agriculture, forestry, cottage industries, hunting and fishing for their subsistence.
Another tribe, the Abuj Maria lives in isolation in the dense and secluded enclaves of the forests of Narayanpur Tehsil in Basir. They are a ferocious and barbaric tribe who believe in primitive customs and are hardly tempted by the material pleasures. The other major tribes are Bhil, Katkari, Koli, Oraon, Warli, Bisonhorn Maria, Muria, Halbaa, Bhatra and Dhurvaa. The Bhils are considered as the third largest and most widely distributed tribal groups in (Indianetzone 2012).
4. The Western Tribal Region:
The tribal region including states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, central and western Maharashtra and northwestern Madhya Pradesh, have the highest tribal population in and around the hill regions of Udaipur, Doonangarpur and Banswara in Rajasthan, Sabarkantha, Panchmahals and Ahwa Dangs in Gujarat and Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh.
In western Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, there is heavy concentration of tribals. There are 34 predominantly tribal districts in these three states with the tribal population 26.81 million as per the census 2001.
a. Maharashtra:
The nomadic tribes constitute about 8.57 million in Maharashtra which is nearly 8.9 per cent of total State population. They are spread over in large areas, mainly on hilltops. Bhil, Gond-Madia, Katkari, Koli, Oraon, Warli are the major tribes of Maharashtra. A greater part of the tribes still follows the primitive characters. They live in groups moving from one place to another in caravans in search of livelihood.
Their dress, dialect, folklore, customs and practices exhibit that they have a rich cultural heritage that is distinctly different from other social groups. Old traditions like worship of nature in different forms, animal sacrifices during religious ceremonies, adorning head with horn, etc. are still in practice.
As they keep on wandering from one place to other, these tribes are in lack of education, which makes their survival difficult. So, they are forced to continue with this tradition of moving from place to place in search of work, which hurdles them to fit into the settled society.
Lambani Tribes:
Lambanis lead a gypsy life and mainly inhabit the western Indian states including Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. A part of this tribal community is also found in the northern region of Karnataka. The Lambani tribe of India speaks a language which is believed to have been originated in the state of Rajasthan.
Lambanis used to supply grains to armies. In the olden days, the lambani people carried grain, salt, bamboos and firewood. Women of Lambani tribes wear decorated clothes or fabrics. Jewellery is also 7an essential part of these tribal women’s lifestyle. Women wear bone-made finger rings, bangles and bracelets.
In addition, they adorn their hair with flowers and balls. People of Lambani tribes keep moving from place to place. Noticed usually in groups, people of this tribal community earn their daily bread by selling clothes at local markets. When the Lambani tribe inhabited the forest region of the southern India, they were also referred to as the bee-keeping caste.
b. Goa:
Goa too has been invaded by Aryans just like the other parts of India. Still some tribes that exist in the state were the original settlers of the Konkan region much before the Dravidians invaded and occupied it. After sometime the Aryans came into the Konkan region area and settled down.
Major tribes of Goa are the Gowdas, but there are other tribes too, who are the Kunbis, the Velips and the Dhangars. The tribal people live in segregated villages. The lifestyles, customs, practices, traditions, ceremonies, religious beliefs and superstitions have remained an integral part of the tribal people.
c. Gujarat:
7.48 million tribals live in Gujarat which constitute 14.8 per cent of the total state population. The Gujarat tribes are Bhils, Kuknas, Warlis, Naikas, Dublas, Gamits, Dhankas and Dhodias and the largest being Bhil. Forest tribes of this region have more unique lifestyles and are largely dependent on the forest.
Habits and beliefs have an irresistible charm because they have maintained time honored and fascinating traditions. Tribals have an inborn resistance to modernization. While it retards progress, it keeps them nearer to nature. Tribal population is concentrated in the Panchmahals, Baroda, Broach, Surat, Dangs, Bulsar, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha.
d. Rajasthan:
The tribes constitute about 7.09 million in Rajasthan which is nearly 12.6 per cent of total State population. Southern part of Rajasthan is surrounded by hills and mountains called aravalis, which is forest region. This part is populated by a tribal community called bhils, who are most backward and poor.
So, this southern part of the tribal region, which includes five districts i.e. Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Sirohi and Chittor. 23 blocks of these 5 districts are declared as Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) area by State Govt, for speedy development of tribes of the region. Festivals have been a part of life for tribals since ancient time. Sarhul and karma are the two main important festivals of these tribals. They are also very fond of music and dance.
5. The Forest Tribes of Eastern India:
a. Odisha:
In the state of Odisha, there are around 62 different tribes totaling up to 8.1 million. The antiquity of Odisha is endorsed by her ancient people who continue to inhabit their traditional dwelling places in remote areas in the deep forests and hilly interiors. Many tourists meet some of these tribal groups and see them in their natural habitat, though access to some tribal areas is still strictly restricted.
The tribal economy is by and large based on activities around the jungles. Food gathering, hunting and fishing continue to be the main source of livelihood though some of the larger tribes such as the Santhals, Mundas and Gonds have become agriculturists. The Juang, Bhuyan, Bondo, Saora and Dharua tribes follow the shifting cultivation practice. The Koya tribals are cattle breeders while the Mohali and Lohara are simple artisans involved in basket weaving and tool making.
The Santhal, Munda and Ho tribals have also become involved in the mining and industrial belts of Odisha. Though their economy is a bit shaky, the Odisha tribals enjoy a rich and varied cultural heritage, the most powerful instance of this being in their music and dance which are as colourful as they are rhythmical. The Gonds are the warrior caste, who has travelled the vast tracts of central and south India.
The Oraon tribals are economically better placed because of their more progressive ways and interaction with the modern world, in the field of agriculture. An Oraon marriage partner can contest for divorce on the grounds of not only adultery but also for bad temper and laziness.
b. Jharkhand:
The state has the tribal population of 7.08 million which is 26.3 per cent of total State population. The Asur is the primitive iron smelting tribe of netarnat plateau (Jharkhand). The Asur is divided into three sub tribes viz. Bir (Kol) Asur, Birjia Asur and Agaria Asur. The Bir is also known by different names that is Solka, Thuppu, Kol, Jat etc. In official records the Bir section is known by tribal name.
In Bihar, Birjia has been classified as a district scheduled tribe while Agaria is a scheduled tribe in Madhya Pradesh. Asur lives primarily in the Indian State of Jharkhand, mostly in the Gumla, Lohardaga, Palamu and Latehar districts. Asurs have traditionally been iron-smelters. The Asur religion is a mixture of animism, animatism, naturalism and ancestral worships.
They also believe in black magic like bhut-pret (spirits) and witchcraft. Their chief deity is Singbonga. They celebrate festivals like Sarhul, Karma, Dhanbuni, Kadelta, Rajj karma, Dasahara Karam. Another important tribe in Jharkhand is Birhor. Bir means ‘Jung’ and Birhor means jungle people. The Birhors are of short stature, long head, wavy hair and broad nose.
They belong to the Proto-Australoid racial stock. They claim they have descended from the Sun and believe that the Kharwars, who also trace their descent from the Sun, are their brothers. Ethnologically, they are akin to the Santals, Mundas and Hos.
6. The Forest Tribes of Northeastern India:
Whenever we talk of tribes and tribal culture in India, the north-eastern region of India at once comes to mind. And there are valid reasons for that. North-East India covers the states of Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Nagaland and Mizoram. The region in the northeast is still untouched by modernisation.
Apart from sheltering a magnificent tribal life, northeast is also rich in terms of landscape, flora and fauna. Visit to these states will introduce to a rich tribal culture which also includes a wonderful legacy of art and craft. A wide range of unique handicrafts are made by the tribal groups living in the northeastern part of India.
The tribes mainly inhabit the hilly and forested areas of the states. Each of the tribes in North-East India depends mainly on collecting, hunting and fishing for their livelihood. These tribes have their own cultural features, customs, languages and dress.
a. Meghalaya:
Meghalaya tribes can mainly be classified into three groups – Garos, Khasis and Pnars or Jaintias. However the major tribes of this region are Garos, Khasis, Jaintia, Bhoi, Khynriams, War, Hynniewtrep Achiks Labangs, Nangphylluts and Nangtungs. Garos are believed to be the descendants of Tibeto-Burmar race who came down all the way from Tibet to the north eastern states, while the Khasis and Pnars or Jaintias are the descendants of Proto-Austroloid Monkhmer race.
While Garos can be located in the Garo hills of Meghalaya, the Khasis are scattered all across the State and are known by different names. Mainly the pure Khasis can be sited at the Khasi hills, the Pnars or Jaintias can be located on Jaintia hills.
b. Assam:
The population of Assam largely comprised of numerous Assam Tribes with their varied customs and beliefs. Starting from the plains to the hilly areas, the land of Assam is inhabited by different tribes. Some of the prominent tribes of Assam are Bodo, Singpho, Santhal, Dimasa people, Karbi, Khamti, Khamyang, Mishing, Nishi, Phake and Rabha. The Rabhas are one of the most important tribes of Assam as well as other parts of northeast India.
The Karbis are one ethnic group who live mainly on the hilly slopes of Assam. They are also called as the Mikir, according to the Indian Constitutional Order. In accordance to some experts, the Phake tribe is believed to be migrated from Thailand and they still speak in the Thai language. One of the early settlers of the State, the Bodos are among the largest tribes of the State.
They are the integral part of the larger ethnic group of the Bodo Kachari. The Bodos reside mostly on the plains and have a great influence on the overall Assamese culture. Inhabiting the Darrang and Lakhimpur Districts of Assam, the Nishi Tribes are mainly farmers. Belonging to the Tibetan-Burmese clan, the Mishing tribes of Assam are another important ethnic group of the State.
The Khamtis have their own language, which is very close to Thai and they practice Buddhism Assam is the cradle ground for many civilizations. Numerous ethnic groups travelled to Assam through different routes in different ages, as the land was connected to several States and countries. Negritos, Dravidians, Alpines, Tibeto Burmese and Aryans had been the major races that came and dwelled in ancient Assam. They were considered as the aborigines of Assam and even today they are an integral part of the Assamese diaspora.
c. Manipur:
The Meiteis (Meeteis), who live primarily in the state’s valley region, form the primary ethnic group (60 per cent of the total population) but occupy only 10 per cent of the total land area. Their language, Meiteilon (Meeteilon) (also known as Manipuri), is also the lingua franca in the State, and was recognized as one of the national languages of India in 1992.
The Muslims (Meitei-Pangal) who live in the valley, Nagas, Mizos-kuki and other smaller groups form about 40 per cent of the population but occupy the remaining 90 per cent of the total land area of Manipur State. The communities of Manipur in alphabetical order are: Aimol, Anal, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Hmar, Koirao, Koireng, Kom, Lamgang, Mao, Maram, Maring, Meitei, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zeliangrong (Zemei, Liangmei and Rongmei) and Zou. All tribes have their own distinct languages but in conversing with others they speak Meiteilon. Rice is the staple food for all ethnic groups of Manipur and meat, fish and seasonal vegetables are favourites.
d. Arunachal Pradesh:
Arunachal Pradesh is the home of 26 different tribal communities. The way that these tribes lead their lives are more or less the same and have the similar occupation and the societies are casteless. The tribes form their institutes and also select leaders according to their age for distinct social functions and for better administration. Experienced leaders of the tribal groups are revered for their position in the community.
All the tribes follow endogamy and strictly observe the rule of clan exogamy. Festivals are an integral part of all the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh thereby reflecting the cultural exuberances and artistry. The artic acumen of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are furthered by their musical and dance bonanza as well as the vistas of exquisite crafts.
The tribal people of this region are adept in making baskets, smithy work, weaving, pottery, wood carving, painting etc. The various tribal communities are Monpa, Hills Miris, Adis, Apatani, Wancho, Adi (Bogum and Bomis), Aka, Singpho, Khamba, Memba, Tagin, Khamti, Bugun or Khowa, Khamyang, Mishmi, Nishing, Monpa, Sulung or Puroik, Nocte.
e. Sikkim:
The tribes in Sikkim have really contributed a lot in the transformation of Sikkim into one of those States in India that are recurrently visited by the tourists. The tribal folks of Sikkim are basically of the most demure and simple nature and they take a lot of pride in their glorious culture and beliefs. One main similitude that lies between the tribes across Sikkim and other hilly people is the fact that all of them are quite soft-spoken and simple. The major tribal communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
f. Nagaland:
Nagaland is entirely tribal populated state. Nagas majorly belongs to the Indo- Mongoloid family. Nagaland is the home of 14 major tribes. They are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khemungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunger and Zeliang. The Chakhesangs were earlier known as Eastern Angamis and are a combination of the Chakri, Khezha and Sangtam sub-tribes. The Naga’s have different stories about their origin. The Angamis, Semas, Rengams and Lothas subscribe to the Kheza- Kenoma legend.
A striking characteristic of the Naga tribes is their hospitality and cheerfulness. To be greeted with a smiling face while traveling on the roads is a common experience. A visitor to Naga village is heartily received and entertained with a surfeit of rice-beer, which is generally served by the lady of the house or her young daughter with warmth which is unforgettable. The word ‘Naga’ was given to these hill tribes by the plains people. This proved to be a great unifying force to the tribes now classified as Naga.
g. Tripura:
Tribes of Tripura represent a range of human communities that are living in the State from quite a long time. The Tripuri is one of the oldest tribes living in the state of Tripura. They constitute a large percentage (above 50) of the total tribal population of Tripura. The main economic activity of the Tripuri tribe in Tripura is agriculture. Jhum cultivation is the widely practiced agricultural activity of the Tripuri groups of Tripura.
The people of Tripuri community generally make their homes on the slopes of the hilly terrains of Tripura state. The Lebang Boomani and Garia are the two prominent folk dance forms of Tripuri tribe. Reang tribe of Tripura, although has a large population, yet it lacks sufficient educational and economic independence. Chakma (Changma) tribal group are the fourth largest tribal group of Tripura and they came to Tripura in the 5th century.
People of Mog community follow the ritual customs of Buddhism. Halam tribe is yet another ancient clan of Tripura which has many sub-sections. There are a total of 19 tribes in Tripura and all these tribal groups of Tripura have their own festivals, rituals and customs. The 19 tribes of Tripura are Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Garo, Halam, Jamatia, Khasia, Kuki, Lepcha, Lushai, Mog, Munda, Noatia, Orang, Reang, Santhal, Tripuri and Uch.
h. Mizoram:
The origin of the Mizo people, like those of many other tribes in the northeastern India, is shrouded in mystery. Mizo history in the 18th and 19th century is marked by many instances of tribal raids and head hunting led by the village chief. The Mizo people are an ethnic group native to north-eastern India, western Burma (Myanmar) and eastern Bangladesh who speak Mizo.
The Mizo are recognized as Scheduled Tribe under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India. The present Indian State of Mizoram (literally Mizoland) was called the Lushai Hills and was a district of Assam, before it became a Union Territory and afterwards a full-fledged state.
The Lushai were the first Mizo tribe to have an external exposure and hence the ethnicity was initially known as the Lushai people. The various ethnic tribal communities are Chakma, Dimasa (kachari), Garo, Hajong, Hmar, Khasi and Jaintia, Any Juki tribes, Man (Tai-speaking), Any Mizo (Lushai) tribes, Mikir, Any Naga tribes, Pawi, Synteng and Paite.
i. West Bengal:
The tribes of West Bengal have occupied a large section of the total population of West Bengal. Numerous tribal people reside in rural areas of the West Bengal. The tribal population of West Bengal is 4.4 million which constitutes 5.5 per cent of the total population of the State. Santals constitute more than half (51.8 per cent) of the total tribal population of the state followed by Oraons (14 per cent), Mundas (7.8 per cent), Bhumij (7.6 per cent) and Kora (3.2 per cent) with sizeable population.
The Lodhas, Mahalis, Bhutias, Bedias and Sabars are the remaining tribals having population of one per cent or more. More than half of the total tribal population of the state is concentrated in Medinipur, Jalpaiguri, Purulia and Bardhaman districts. Of the remaining districts, Bankura, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur have sizable ST population.
7. The Forest Tribes of North India:
a. Jammu and Kashmir:
Bakarwal tribal community of Jammu and Kashmir is found in every hilly nook of the region. Also known as Bakharwal, they are special nomadic tribes, mainly found in the Pir Panjal range of mountains located between the two states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Bakarwal tribes are also found in every corner of Northern provinces of the Himalayan Range, namely the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. This tribe is also known as Dhangar in several parts of India. Bakarwal mainly are goatherds and shepherds by profession.
b. Himachal Pradesh:
The Kinners or Kinnaure inhabit the border district of Kinnaur. Physically they are closer to the Aryan races in their tall well-built bodies, their high foreheads, large eyes and fair complexions. Temperamentally they are a gentle and soft-spoken people, quite content to live in poverty. Their main occupation is rearing sheep and goats and raising wool. Some are engaged in agriculture and horticulture.
They live in joint families and men and women have more than one mate. Their marriage customs are very interesting. All the brothers in a family share a wife. They call it the Pandava marriage. Due to this, lots of girls remain unmarried. But these systems are being abandoned in the changing socio-economic conditions. Their mongoloid features are evidence of the intermixing of ideas on the borders. Kinnaur women are beautiful, modest and homely and spend most of their time in the fields.
c. Uttarakhand:
The tribal population of Uttarakhand is 2,56,129 which constitutes three per cent of the total population of the State. In Uttarakhand, there are five major tribal communities, namely Bhotia, Jaunsari, Raji, Tharu and Buksa. The habitation of a particular tribe is confined to a particular tribal location in the Uttarakhand.
Despite their habitation in different zones, there prevail few common features in the economic and social life of all the tribal communities with minor variations necessitated to maintain a harmonious coordination between the resource availability and needs of the society.
Agriculture forms the basic livelihood of Tharu, Buksa and Jaunsari tribes. Trade is the main source of livelihood of the Bhotia tribe. Raji (Vanrawat) are mainly dependent on animal husbandly and daily wages in various developmental activities.