TRIBES IN INDIA

Published on 30 Jan 2025

Features of Indian tribal systems

In a traditional civilization, a tribe is a social division made up of families connected by social, economic, and familial ties as well as by common culture and dialect. As per the 2011 census data, India's tribal population constitutes 8.6% of the total population. Among the numerous tribal groups in India, approximately 75 of them are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

✔     Distinct Cultures: Indian tribal communities have unique cultural identities.

●      For example: the Santhals in Eastern India have their own language, music, dance, and traditional rituals that set them apart.

✔     Oral Traditions: Many tribal communities rely on oral traditions for passing down knowledge and stories.

●      Example: The Bhilala tribe, for instance, has a rich oral tradition of storytelling to preserve their cultural heritage.

✔     Strong Community Bonds: Tribal societies often emphasize strong community bonds and cooperation.

●      Example: The Gondi tribe's communities work together in various economic activities, such as agriculture and forest-based livelihoods.

✔     Close Relationship with Nature: Tribes often have a close relationship with nature and a deep understanding of their local environment.

●      Example: The Warli tribe in Maharashtra, for instance, practices agriculture based on their knowledge of the land.

✔     Traditional Economic Activities: Many tribal communities engage in traditional economic activities like hunting, gathering, and subsistence farming.

●      Example: The Jarawas of the Andaman Islands rely on hunting and gathering for their sustenance.

✔     Traditional Governance: Tribes often have their systems of governance and decision-making.

●      Example: The Khasi tribe in Meghalaya follows a traditional matrilineal system of governance where lineage and property are passed down through women.

✔     Distinct Art and Crafts: Tribes have unique art forms and crafts that are a significant part of their cultural expression.

●      Example: The Bhutia tribe in Sikkim is known for its intricate weaving patterns and traditional dress.

✔     Spiritual Beliefs: Many tribal communities have their own spiritual beliefs and rituals.

●      Example: The Donyi-Polo religion of the Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh is based on nature worship and ancestral spirits.

Features of Indian tribal systems are a testament to the incredible diversity and cultural richness that exists within the country. These tribal communities, with their distinct languages, traditions, and strong bonds with nature, contribute to the vibrant drapery of India's cultural heritage. Their traditional economic activities, governance systems, and unique art forms reflect their resilience and adaptability.

Challenges faced by tribes in India

The diverse fabric of India is woven not only by its myriad cultures and traditions but also by its indigenous tribal communities. These communities, often referred to as Adivasis, are an integral part of India's social fabric. However, they face a multitude of challenges that threaten their way of life, culture, and well-being.

✔     Economic Marginalization: Many tribal communities are economically marginalized, relying on subsistence agriculture and forest-based livelihoods.

●      Example: According to the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011, about 45% of the tribal households in India are below the poverty line

✔     Cultural Erosion: Globalization and modernization have led to the erosion of traditional tribal cultures.

●      Example: The changes in the lifestyle and culture of the Irula tribe in Tamil Nadu are examples of this challenge.

✔     Lack of Political Representation: Tribal communities often lack political representation and a voice in decision-making.

●      Example: The Koya tribe in Telangana, for instance, faces underrepresentation in local governance.

✔     Exploitation and Vulnerability: Tribals are vulnerable to exploitation, including labour exploitation and human trafficking.

●      Example: The Pardhis, a nomadic tribal group, face vulnerabilities due to their marginalized status.

✔     Forest Rights and Conservation: Tribal communities often face conflicts over forest rights and conservation efforts.

●      Example: The Baiga tribe in Madhya Pradesh has experienced conflicts related to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act.

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that respects the cultural identity and rights of these communities. Preserving the diversity and richness of India's indigenous tribes is not just a matter of social justice but a testament to the nation's commitment to unity in diversity. Through effective policies, initiatives, and a collective effort, India can aspire to protect its tribal communities while allowing them to thrive in an evolving world, thus ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

Government initiatives for tribal welfare

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives and policies aimed at supporting and improving the well-being of Indian tribal communities. Some of these initiatives include:

✔     Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA): PESA empowers tribal local self-governance bodies to make decisions on various aspects of local governance, helping to protect and promote tribal interests in scheduled areas.

✔     Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006:This act recognizes and provides legal rights to tribal and forest-dwelling communities over forest land and resources, addressing historical injustices and protecting their livelihoods.

✔     Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP):TSP is a budgetary allocation designed to direct resources specifically to tribal development, focusing on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment of tribal communities.

✔     National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): NRLM aims to alleviate poverty among tribal communities by promoting self-help groups, skill development, and income-generating activities.

✔     Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA): ITDAs are responsible for the planning and implementation of tribal development programs at the district level. They focus on education, healthcare, and economic development for tribal communities.

✔     Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): EMRS are government-run schools aimed at providing quality education to tribal students, with a focus on English language instruction, computer education, and skill development.

✔     Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana: This scheme is designed to improve the quality of life for tribal communities by providing infrastructure, healthcare, and skill development opportunities in tribal areas.

✔     Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub-Schemes: This financial assistance is provided to tribal sub-schemes within state plans to promote tribal development.

These government initiatives are part of a broader effort to address the socio-economic disparities faced by tribal communities and to preserve their unique cultural identities while promoting their inclusion and well-being in the broader Indian society.

Integration of tribal knowledge into mainstream Indian society

✔     Traditional Medicine Practices: Ayurveda incorporates tribal remedies and herbal knowledge in various medicinal properties and is used for treating a wide range of ailments.

●      Example: The use of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) in Ayurveda finds its roots in tribal knowledge.

✔     Agroecological Farming: Many tribal communities in India practice organic farming and sustainable agriculture.

●      Example: The Warli tribe in Maharashtra uses traditional farming techniques that are eco-friendly, such as shifting cultivation and mixed cropping.

✔     Ethnobotany: Tribal knowledge of medicinal plants has contributed to mainstream pharmaceutical research.

●      Example: The traditional knowledge of the Nilgiri tribes in Tamil Nadu, for instance, has led to the discovery of plants with medicinal properties.

✔     Biodiversity Conservation: Tribals protect trees and wildlife, showcasing the importance of tribal knowledge in mainstream conservation efforts.

●      Example: The Bishnoi tribe in Rajasthan is known for its strong commitment to conserving biodiversity.

✔     Traditional Craftsmanship: Tribes create unique handicrafts using traditional techniques which are gaining recognition in mainstream markets.

●      Example: Kantha embroidery and Dokra metalwork of the Santhal community in West Bengal.

✔     Community-Based Resource Management: Their knowledge of forest and watershed management has been adopted in environmental initiatives.

●      Example: In the Gola community of Jharkhand, traditional resource management practices have been integrated into mainstream conservation projects.

✔     Cultural Exchange Programs: Various cultural exchange programs and festivals bring tribal art, music, and dance to wider audiences.

●      Example: Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan promote the appreciation of tribal cultures within mainstream society.

The integration of tribal knowledge and practices into various aspects of mainstream Indian society leads to a richer cultural diversity and sustainable practices.

✔     Land Displacement and Dispossession: Many tribal communities have been displaced from their ancestral lands due to infrastructure development, mining, and urbanization.

●      Example: The Dongria Kondh tribe in Odisha has been threatened by mining projects in their sacred Niyamgiri Hills.

✔     Lack of Access to Education: Educational opportunities in tribal areas are often limited, leading to low literacy rates.

●      Example:The Sahariya tribe in Madhya Pradesh faces significant educational challenges, resulting in low literacy rates among their children.

✔     Healthcare Disparities: Healthcare infrastructure in tribal areas is often inadequate, leading to poor access to medical services.

●      Example: The Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh faces health disparities and limited access to healthcare facilities.

Tags:
Society

Keywords:
Tribes PVTG PESA FRA EMRS

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Indian Society