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List of Major Tribes In India

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In SSC, Banking, LIC, Railways, and other competitive exams, the General Awareness section plays an important role nowadays since it is a very scoring section. In this article, we will cover one of the topics of this section i.e “Major Tribes of India”. Read it carefully and upgrade your score in upcoming exams.

Tribes: An Introduction

A tribe may be a social division in a conventional society consisting of families connected by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a typical culture and dialect. A tribe possesses specific qualities and characteristics that build it into a singular cultural, social, and political entity.

Tribes of India

  • The fifth schedule of the Constitution of India has recognized tribal communities as  â€˜ Scheduled Tribes’.
  • The total population of scheduled  Tribes is around 100 million as per the Census 2011 that accounting for 8.6% of the whole population of the country. The share of the Scheduled  Tribe population in urban areas could be 2.8%.
  • Madhya Pradesh has the largest number of scheduled Tribes, and Orissa is in the second position. There are no Scheduled Tribes in Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, Pondicherry, and Haryana.
  • For Scheduled Tribes, 47 seats are reserved in Lok Sabha.
  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is responsible for the development of the scheduled tribes in India.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Established in 1999, this Ministry was created through the division of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, focuses on the holistic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs), India’s most marginalized communities. It serves as the central authority for policy, planning, and coordination of ST development programs. Sector-specific initiatives are managed by respective Central Ministries/Departments. Before its formation, tribal affairs were handled by different Ministries: the ‘Tribal Division‘ under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Welfare, and later, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

List of Major Tribes in India: State-Wise

                              State                                         
                        Tribe                                                               
                  
Jammu and Kashmir Gaddi, Garra, Mon, Purigpa, Sippi, Bakarwal, Balti.
Himachal Pradesh Gaddis, Gujjars, Khas, Lamba, Pangwala, Lahaulas, Swangla
Uttarakhand Bhotias, Buksa, Khas, Jaunsari, Raji, Tharu
Uttar Pradesh Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu, Bhotia
Rajasthan Bhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas, Sahariya, Pateliya.
Gujarat Paradhi, Pateliya, Barda, Bamcha, Bhil, Charan, Dhodia, Gamta.
Maharashtra Katkari, Khond, Rathawa, Warlis, Bhaina, Bhunjia, Dhodia
Goa Siddi, Varli, Dhodia, Dubia, Naikda.
Karnataka Adiyan, Barda, Gond, Bhil, Iruliga, Koraga, Yerava and Pateliya
Kerala Adiyan, Arandan, Kurumbas, Malai arayan, Moplahs, Uralis
Tamil Nadu Adiyan, Aranadan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas.
Madhya Pradesh Baigas, Bhils, Bharia, Birhors, Gonds,Katkari, kharia, Khond, Kol, Murias.
Chhattisgarh Agariya, Bhaina, Bhattra, Biar, Khond, Mawasi, Nagasia.
Telangana Chenchus
Odisha Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Matya, Oraons, Santhals, Rajuar
Jharkhand Gonds, Kharia, Mundas, Santhals, Savar, Birhors, Bhumij
Bihar Asur, Baiga, Birhor, Birjia, Chero, Gond, Parhaiya, Santhals, Savar
West Bengal Asur, Khond, Hajong, Ho, Parhaiya, Rabha, Santhals, Savar
Sikkim Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas, Limboo, Tamang
Andhra Pradesh Andh, Sadhu Andh, Bhagata, Bhil, Chenchus, Gadabas, Gond, Goundu, Jatapus, Kammara, Kattunayakan, Kolawar, Kolam, Konda, Manna Dhora, Pardhan, Rona, Savaras, Nakkala, Dhulia, Thoti, Sugalis, Banjara, Kondareddis, Koya, Mukha Dhora, Valmiki , Yenadis, Sugalis, Lambadis.
Arunachal Pradesh Sherdukpen, Singpho, Apatanis, Abor, Dafla, Galong, Momba.
Assam Chakma, Chutiya, Dimasa, Hajong, Garos, Khasis, Gangte.
Andaman and Nicobar Oraons, Onges, Shompens, Sentinelese.
Manipur Aimol, Angami, Chiru, Kuki, Maram, Monsang, Paite, Purum, Thadou
Meghalaya  Jaintias Khasis, Lakher, Pawai, Raba, Chakma, Garos, Hajong
Mizoram Khasi, Kuki, Lakher, Pawai, Raba, Synteng, Chakma, Dimasa.
Nagaland Mikir, Nagas, Sema, Angami, Garo, Kachari, Kuki.
Tripura Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte, Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal.

Tribal Population of India

Tribal populations are dispersed throughout India, with significant concentrations in states and union territories like Mizoram (94.4%), Lakshadweep (94%), Meghalaya (86.1%), and Nagaland (86.5%). Other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and West Bengal, also have substantial tribal communities. Nationally, Scheduled Tribes make up 8.6% of India’s total population. This information is valuable for UPSC aspirants studying Indian tribes. India recognizes over 700 tribes under Article 342 of the Indian constitution, spread across various states and union territories.

The Gond Tribe

The Gond tribe, ranking as the second-largest in India, is second in population size only to the Bhils. This prominent tribal community spans across multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Orissa. With a vast membership exceeding four million, the Gond tribe accounts for a significant portion, approximately 35.6%, of India’s total tribal population.

Article 342 in The Constitution Of India 1949

  1. The President, with consultation in the case of States, may specify through public notification the tribes, tribal communities, or their parts within a State or Union territory to be considered Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution for that region.
  2. Parliament has the authority to amend the list of Scheduled Tribes outlined in such notifications, adding or removing tribes or communities. However, once issued, a notification under clause (1) cannot be altered by subsequent notifications. (Constitution of India, Part XVII, Chapter I – Language of the Union)

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FAQ’s on Major Tribes In India

Q1. Who are Tribal people?

Tribal people, also known as Adivasis or Scheduled Tribes, are indigenous communities in India with distinct cultures and traditional ways of life. They often live in remote areas, rely on nature for their livelihoods, and face socio-economic challenges. Efforts are made to preserve their cultural identity and improve their well-being.

Q2. What are the main problems of Tribal communities?

Tribal communities in India face challenges such as land displacement, economic marginalization, limited access to education and healthcare, cultural erosion, and lack of political representation. These issues can result in poverty, health disparities, and cultural loss among tribal populations. Efforts are underway to address these challenges, but more comprehensive strategies are needed to empower and uplift tribal communities.

Q3. Who is India’s Tribal Minister?

Arjun Munda

Q4. How many main tribes are there in India?

The Indian Constitution has officially acknowledged the presence of tribal communities in the country through ‘Schedule 5.’ Consequently, these constitutionally recognized tribes are referred to as ‘Scheduled Tribes.’ India is home to approximately 645 distinct tribal groups, each with its own unique cultural heritage.

Q5. Which is largest tribe in India?

The Bhil tribe stands as India’s largest tribal community, comprising approximately 38% of the total scheduled tribal population. As per the 2011 census data on the largest tribes in India, the primary language spoken by the Bhil community is Bhil, with proficiency in Gujarati and Marathi among other languages.

Q6. Which is the smallest tribe in India?

The Andamanese, consisting of only 20 individuals, represent the smallest tribal community in India. These tribes are among the most economically and socially marginalized groups, often regarded as the indigenous inhabitants of the country.

Q7. Which is the oldest and largest tribe in India?

The Bhils constitute India’s largest tribal community.



Last Updated : 27 Sep, 2023
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