Tribal Communities in India – Sociology Notes
Definition:
Tribes (also known as Adivasis) are indigenous communities with distinct cultural,
linguistic, and social identities. In India, they are officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes
(STs) under the Constitution and are often associated with geographic isolation, unique
customs, and traditional ways of life.
Key Features of Tribal Societies:
1. Community Living – Collective ownership of land and resources.
2. Kinship-Based Organization – Clan or lineage systems dominate.
3. Distinct Culture – Unique language, art, music, religion, and rituals.
4. Geographic Isolation – Inhabiting forests, hills, and remote areas.
5. Subsistence Economy – Dependence on agriculture, hunting, and forest produce.
6. Political Autonomy – Traditionally governed by tribal councils or elders.
Distribution in India:
Tribal population: ~8.6% of India's total population (Census 2011).
Major tribal belts:
o Central India: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha.
o Northeast India: Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam.
o Western India: Rajasthan, Gujarat.
o Southern India: Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.
Important Tribes:
Gonds, Santhals, Bhils, Oraons, Nagahs, Mizos, Khasis, Todas, Jarawas,
Sentinelese, etc.
Sociological Perspectives on Tribes:
1. Isolationist View:
Tribes are autonomous societies separate from mainstream Hindu society (e.g.,
Verrier Elwin).
2. Integrationist View:
Tribes are part of the broader Indian society, often viewed as backward Hindus (e.g.,
G.S. Ghurye).
3. Interactionist View:
Focuses on mutual interaction, acculturation, and changing identities (e.g., Surajit
Sinha).
Tribes vs. Castes:
Feature Tribes Castes
Origin Indigenous/Adivasi Part of Hindu Varna system
Structure Egalitarian Hierarchical
Mobility Relatively more Limited, rigid
Religion Animistic, nature worship Hinduism, with Brahmanical influence
Integration Traditionally isolated Integrated into larger society
Major Issues Faced by Tribals:
1. Displacement – Due to development projects (dams, mines, industries).
2. Loss of Land – Encroachment, forest laws, and land alienation.
3. Poverty and Illiteracy – Limited access to resources and education.
4. Exploitation – By moneylenders, landlords, and traders.
5. Health Issues – Lack of access to healthcare and sanitation.
6. Cultural Erosion – Due to assimilation, globalization, and media.
Development & Government Policies:
Constitutional Provisions:
o Article 342: Recognition of STs.
o Article 244: Fifth and Sixth Schedules for tribal areas.
o Reservation in education, jobs, and politics.
PESA Act (1996) – Grants self-governance rights to tribes in Scheduled Areas.
Forest Rights Act (2006) – Recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling tribes over land
and forest resources.
TRIFED, Ekalavya schools, Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana – Tribal welfare
initiatives.
Tribal Movements:
Santhal Rebellion (1855–56)
Munda Ulgulan (1899–1900)
Bhil Movement
Naxalite Movement (influences tribal regions)
Contemporary movements against mining, displacement, and environmental
degradation.
Tribal Identity in Modern India:
Struggles between preserving tradition and integration with mainstream society.
Rise in tribal assertion and political mobilization.
Challenges of development without displacement.
Issues of ST status demand by non-tribal groups.
Conclusion:
Tribal communities in India are diverse, dynamic, and historically marginalized. A
sociological understanding of tribes highlights the need for inclusive development, cultural
respect, and policy interventions that empower rather than assimilate.
