Major Tribes in India

In India, the tribal population is one of the oldest. These groups have lived in the forest and hilly regions for ages. Today, they may be found in a vast central belt spanning from the Aravalli Hills westward to the Dangs, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bengal, and Assam. The Indian constitution has named this term as scheduled tribes. The President of the Republic released the Schedule of Tribes in March 1950 to identify which tribal groups were entitled to the unique rights and advantages bestowed by the law on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. While some tribes in India may have been the original inhabitants, other tribes may have moved to India from other countries, including Tibet, Burma, and China. During the last several centuries, certain tribes must have moved from one section of the land to another. The major tribes in India are Bhil tribe, Gond tribe, Munda tribe, Angami Tribe, Toto Tribe, and Bhutia Tribe.

The Major Tribes of India

The number of distinct tribes in India amounts to 645, according to the Indian constitution. Let us look at some of the major tribes or tribal communities in India:

1. Bhils Tribe 

Bhil is among the oldest and largest tribal communities in South Asia, accounting for 40% of Rajasthan’s total population. The Aravalli Mountains of Sirohi in Udaipur, and the districts of Banswara and Dungarpur in Rajasthan, are home to this tribal group. Bhil comes from the term Bil or Vil, meaning bow. The Bhil tribe was extremely significant as warriors against the British, Mughals, and Marathas throughout India’s history. They met the Princess of Mewar’s needs by providing bowmen, equipment and guardians for their children and families.

2. Gonds Tribe 

The Gond tribes in India are noted for their bravery and may be found largely in Central India, in the Madhya Pradesh district of Chhindwara. The Gond tribes use Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and various languages. The Gonds, like several other tribes in India, have social and economic difficulties. 

Most Gonds reside in villages led by a chief known as Mahji or Patel. These Indian tribal people dress in traditional Indian garb, with males wearing dhotis and women wearing sarees with blouses or cholis. The jewellery of the Gond tribe is very ornate. Kodo and kutki, two millets, are the Gonds’ primary foods. Gonds also grow and produce tobacco.

In terms of population, the Gond tribe is next only to the Bhils. The Gond tribe, India’s second-largest, is found in states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Orissa. The Gond, with a population of nearly four million clans, make up a significant portion of the country’s total tribal population (35.6 %).

3. Munda Tribe 

With its main habitat in Jharkhand, the Munda tribe can be seen in other nearby states like Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Bangladesh. One of the oldest tribes in South Asia, the Munda tribe, has been there since the pre-British era. It was recognised between 1857 and 1928 due to Birsa Munda. Birsa was a freedom warrior and a prophet who was instrumental in India’s struggle for independence.

The Indian government recognises and honours Birsa Munda’s contribution to India’s independence. Mundas have been considered one of Jharkhand’s most powerful tribes numerous times. Munda tribes are primarily woodcutters and have always been animal eaters. The Munda tribe’s primary language is called Killi. 

4. Toto Tribe

The Toto tribe is an endangered and isolated tribe in India that lives in the Totopur region of West Bengal. The Toto tribe is cut off from the rest of the world. Because the total number of members in this tribe is estimated to be less than 1500, they are classified as an endogamous group. Toto tribe members have very low literacy and employment rates. Sandstones are collected primarily from pen pigs, riverbeds, and cow herding by these tribal populations in India. This tribe is a vanishing tribe in several case studies by anthropologists due to its small numbers and close to extinction in the 1950s. 

5. Angami Tribe 

The Angami tribe is found in the picturesque state of Nagaland in the northeastern section of the country. The Angami Nagas are one of Nagaland’s most populous tribes, with a stronghold in the Kohima area. Their elaborate and gorgeous woodcraft and artwork are also a big draw. Cane furniture, bamboo, shawls, beds, and sturdy machetes are all made by the Angami Nagas. You should try some of the Angami tribe’s distinctive pig dishes, which are truly the greatest. The people of these Indian tribal groups can be seen wearing black Lohe and jewellery such as beads and small masks. 

6. Bhutia Tribe 

The Bhutia tribe, which lives in a landlocked region of Sikkim, is well-known for its tribe titles, art, traditional splendour, and cuisine. The unusual preparations of steaming beef dumplings, momo, and thumpy are not to be missed by visitors. Bhutan’s Bhutia tribe makes up the bulk of the population. Fat-fried animal meat and other beef items and mutton and pork are popular among Bhutia tribe members. The Bhutia tribe holds several major festivals, including Losar and Loosong. 

Conclusion 

Apart from these, the other major tribes of India include the Khasi tribe, Garo tribe, Nyishi tribe, Warli tribe, and many more. Tribal travel has been instrumental in generating a variety of economic prospects for tribes worldwide. It has aided in raising awareness about India’s indigenous tribal people, many of whom are subjected to oppression, a lack of opportunities, unemployment, and social marginalisation.