India is a land of immense diversity, and its tribal communities form a significant part of its rich cultural mosaic. With over 700 recognized Scheduled Tribes, these indigenous groups contribute uniquely to the nation’s heritage through their distinct languages, traditions, art forms, and ways of life. According to the 2011 census, Scheduled Tribes constitute approximately 8.6% of India’s total population, numbering around 104 million people. This document provides a comprehensive overview of some of the major tribal communities in India, exploring their geographical distribution, historical context, cultural practices, and socio-economic conditions.
Each tribe possesses a unique identity shaped by centuries of adaptation to their specific environments and interactions with surrounding cultures. Despite their diversity, many tribal communities share common challenges related to land rights, economic development, education, and healthcare. The Indian government has implemented various policies and programs under the reservation system to uplift these communities and integrate them into the mainstream while preserving their distinct cultural identities.
This report will delve into the specifics of five prominent tribes: the Bhil, Gond, Santhal, Munda, and Oraon, highlighting their individual characteristics and collective contributions to India’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
The Bhil Tribe
The Bhil or Bheel are one of the largest indigenous groups in India, with a significant presence in the western and central parts of the country. They are also found in smaller numbers in Bengal, Tripura, and the Sindh province of Pakistan.
Demographics and Distribution
According to the 2011 census, the Bhil population in India was over 16.9 million. The majority of the Bhil population is concentrated in the following states:
- Madhya Pradesh: 5,993,921
- Gujarat: 4,215,603
- Rajasthan: 4,100,264
- Maharashtra: 2,588,658
Smaller populations are also found in Karnataka, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
History and Etymology
The term “Bhil” is believed to be derived from the Dravidian word “billa” or “billu,” meaning “bow,” which reflects the tribe’s historical reputation as skilled archers. Historical records suggest that the Bhils held considerable power in parts of Gujarat from the 11th to the 15th century before being displaced by the Rajputs.
During the British colonial era, the Bhils led several rebellions and were subsequently classified as a “criminal tribe” under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. They also engaged in mutinies against the Mewar State, protesting against issues such as census classifications, forced labor, and high taxes.
Language and Culture
The Bhils speak the Bhili language, an Indo-Aryan language with numerous dialects. The language is closely related to Gujarati and Rajasthani. Many Bhils are also fluent in the dominant languages of their respective regions, such as Marathi, Gujarati, or Bengali.
The Bhil culture is rich and diverse. The Bhilala sub-division is renowned for its unique Pithora paintings. A significant cultural practice is the Ghoomar dance, a traditional folk dance that symbolizes womanhood. Young girls participate in this dance to signify their transition into womanhood.
Subdivisions
The Bhil community is divided into several endogamous territorial divisions, which are further subdivided into clans and lineages. Some of the major subdivisions include the Bhil Garasia, Dholi Bhil, Dungri Bhil, Mewasi Bhil, Rawal Bhil, Tadvi Bhil, and Bhilala.
Present Circumstances
The Bhil are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in several states, which provides them with certain reservations and benefits under the Indian government’s affirmative action programs. Despite this, they continue to face various socio-economic challenges.
The Gond Tribe
The Gond (Gōṇḍī) or Gond people, who refer to themselves as “Kōītōr” (Kōī, Kōītōr), are a large ethnolinguistic group in India. Their native language, Gondi, belongs to the Dravidian family. They are classified as a Scheduled Tribe for the purpose of India’s system of reservation.
Demographics and Distribution
According to the 2011 census, the Gond population in India was approximately 13 million. They are spread across several states, with significant populations in:
- Madhya Pradesh: 5,093,124
- Chhattisgarh: 4,298,404
- Maharashtra: 1,618,090
- Odisha: 888,581
- Uttar Pradesh: 569,035
- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: 304,537
Smaller populations are also found in Bihar, Karnataka, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Gujarat.
History and Etymology
The origin of the name “Gond” is uncertain, but some theories suggest it derives from the Dravidian word “kond,” meaning “hill,” similar to the Khonds of Odisha. Another theory proposes that the name was given by the Mughal dynasty, meaning “hill people.” The Gonds themselves use the ethnonym “Koitur” or “Koi,” which may be related to “kō,” meaning “mountain”.
The Gonds have a rich history of forming significant kingdoms. Historical references to the Gonds appear in Muslim writings from the 14th century. They ruled the Gondwana region, which extended across parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, between the 13th and 19th centuries CE. Notable Gond kingdoms include Chanda, Garha, and Deogarh.
Language and Culture
The Gondi language is a Dravidian language with various dialects. Many Gonds are also fluent in regionally dominant languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Odia, and Telugu. The Gond culture is deeply connected to nature and is known for its vibrant artwork, music, agriculture, and weaving. Their traditional belief system is Koyapunem, which has been significantly influenced by Hinduism.
Present Circumstances
The Gond people are classified as a Scheduled Tribe, which provides them with certain benefits under India’s reservation program. However, they have also been affected by socio-political issues, including the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency in some regions.
The Santhal Tribe
The Santal (or Santhal) are an Austroasiatic-speaking Munda ethnic group of the Indian subcontinent. They are the largest tribe in Jharkhand and West Bengal in terms of population and are also found in the states of Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Tripura. They also constitute the largest ethnic minority in northern Bangladesh and have a sizeable population in Nepal.
Demographics and Distribution
As of the 2011 census, the Santal population in India was approximately 7.5 million. Their significant populations are found in:
- Jharkhand: 2,754,723
- West Bengal: 2,512,331
- Odisha: 894,764
- Bihar: 406,076
- Assam: 213,139
History and Etymology
The term “Santal” is likely derived from an exonym referring to the inhabitants of Saont in the erstwhile Silda region of West Bengal. Their ethnonym is Hor Hopon (“child of human”). Linguistic evidence suggests that Austro-Asiatic language speakers, including the ancestors of the Santals, arrived on the coast of Odisha from Indochina around 4,000–3,500 years ago. Santal folklore suggests their origin from Hihiri (identified as Ahuri in Hazaribagh district) and subsequent migrations.
During the British colonial era, the Santals were encouraged to clear forest lands for agriculture. However, they faced severe exploitation from zamindars and moneylenders, leading to the Santal Rebellion (Santal Hul) in 1855, led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu. Although the rebellion was suppressed, it led to the creation of the Santal Parganas, a special administrative area where Santals had legal rights over their land.
Language and Culture
The Santals speak Santali, the most widely spoken Munda language of the Austroasiatic language family. Their culture is rich in traditions, including the celebration of Baha parab (flower festival), and they are known for their traditional dance, music, agriculture, and fishing. While the majority practice Hinduism, minority folk religions like Sari Dharam and Sarna Dharam are also prevalent.
Present Circumstances
The Santals continue to be a significant tribal community in India, with their unique cultural identity preserved through their language and traditions. They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, which provides them with certain protections and and benefits.
The Munda Tribe
The Munda people are an Austroasiatic-speaking ethnic group primarily found in the eastern states of India, particularly in the Chhotanagpur Plateau region of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. They also have a presence in adjacent areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Indian state of Tripura.
Demographics and Distribution
As of the 2011 census, the Munda population in India was approximately 2.29 million. Significant populations are found in:
- Jharkhand: 1,229,221
- Odisha: 584,346
- West Bengal: 366,386
They are one of India’s largest Scheduled Tribes.
History and Etymology
The term “Munda” is of Sanskrit origin and means “headman” of a village. The Munda people refer to themselves as Horoko or Ho ko, meaning “men.” The term “Munde” is also a Ho word meaning “headman,” an honorific name given by Hindus that later became a tribal name.
Language and Culture
The Munda people speak Mundari as their native language, which belongs to the Munda subgroup of Austroasiatic languages. Their culture is rich in traditions, and they are known for their traditional art, music, agriculture, and hunting skills.
Present Circumstances
The Munda people are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India, providing them with certain benefits and protections. They continue to maintain their distinct cultural identity and traditions.
The Oraon Tribe
The Kurukh or Oraon, also spelled Uraon or Dhangad, are a Dravidian-speaking ethnolinguistic group primarily inhabiting the Chhotanagpur Plateau and adjoining areas in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
Demographics and Distribution
As of the 2011 census, the Oraon population in India was approximately 3.7 million. Significant populations are found in:
- Jharkhand: 1,716,618
- Chhattisgarh: 748,739
- West Bengal: 643,510
- Odisha: 358,112
- Bihar: 144,472
Smaller populations are also found in Assam and Tripura. Many Oraon also migrated to tea gardens in Assam, West Bengal, and Bangladesh, and to countries like Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mauritius during British rule.
History and Etymology
The term “Oraon” is an exonym assigned by neighboring Munda people, meaning “to roam.” They call themselves Kurukh. According to some scholars, the Kurukh people might have migrated from Coorg in South India or were living in the Indus Valley Civilization before migrating south.
Historically, Oraons depended on the forest and farms for their livelihoods. During the British period, they rebelled against British authority and local zamindars due to tax imposition, notably the Lakra rebellion (Kol uprising) in 1832 and the Tana Bhagat Movement from 1914 to 1920.
Language and Culture
The Oraons predominantly speak Kurukh as their native language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. Many have also adopted local _lingua franca_s like Sadri and Odia. Their society is patrilocal and patrilineal, with exogamous clans named after plants, animals, and objects.
Oraon culture is rich in folk songs, dances, and tales. They celebrate traditional festivals of the Chota Nagpur plateau, such as Sarhul and Karma. Both men and women participate in dances, accompanied by instruments like the Mandar, Nagara, and Kartal.
Present Circumstances
The Oraon people are listed as a Scheduled Tribe in seven Indian states, providing them with benefits under the reservation system. They continue to preserve their cultural heritage through their language, traditions, and festivals.
