Tribes of India | Forestry Optional Indian Forest Services (IFoS)

Introduction:

Tribes in India contribute significantly to the country's cultural diversity and heritage, with each tribe having its own unique customs, languages, and traditions.

a. Geographical Distribution:

1. Northern India:

Himachal Pradesh: Tribes like the Gaddis, Gujjars, and Kinnauris.

Jammu and Kashmir: Includes the Bakarwals, Gujjars, and Gaddis.

2. North-Eastern India:

Assam: Bodo, Karbi, and Dimasa tribes.

Arunachal Pradesh: Apatani, Nyishi, and Adi tribes.

Meghalaya: Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes.

Nagaland: Angami, Ao, and Naga tribes.

3. Eastern India:

Odisha: Santals, Gonds, and Oraons.

Jharkhand: Santhals, Mundas, and Oraons.

4. Central India:

Chhattisgarh: Gonds, Maria, and Bisonhorn Maria tribes.

Madhya Pradesh: Bhil, Gond, and Baiga tribes.

5. Western India:

Gujarat: Bhil, Garasia, and Kukna tribes.

Rajasthan: Bhil, Meena, and Garasia tribes.

6. Southern India:

Kerala: Irula, Kurumba, and Paniya tribes.

Tamil Nadu: Irula, Toda, and Kurumba tribes.

b. Tribal Belts:

1. Northeastern Tribal Belt:

Encompasses the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.

Rich in cultural diversity with various tribes like Bodo, Khasi, and Ao residing here.

2. Central Tribal Belt:

Includes Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

Home to numerous tribal communities such as Gonds, Santhals, and Bhils.

3. Western Tribal Belt:

Spans Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Dominated by Bhil, Garasia, and Meena tribes.

4. Southern Tribal Belt:

Found in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Inhabited by Irula, Kurumba, and Toda tribes.

5. Himalayan Tribal Belt:

Extends across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Includes tribes like Gaddis, Gujjars, and Bakarwals.

6. Eastern Tribal Belt:

Covers Odisha, parts of West Bengal, and Jharkhand.

Home to tribes like Santals, Oraons, and Mundas.

c. Important Examples of Tribes:

1. Garo Tribe: Located in Meghalaya, they are known for their matrilineal society and vibrant festivals like Wangala.

2. Santhal Tribe: Residing in Jharkhand and West Bengal, they are famous for their music and dance forms like Baha and Sohrai.

3. Bhils: Found in parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, known for their skilled archery and vibrant attire.

4. Nagas: Inhabiting Nagaland, they have distinct tribal traditions and are known for their Hornbill Festival.

5. Adi Tribe: Indigenous to Arunachal Pradesh, they have a rich cultural heritage with festivals like Solung and Etor.

6. Santal Tribe: Settled in Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, they are known for their traditional art forms like Sohrai and Madal dance.