The Tribals of India are the indigenous people of the land. They have been long settled in different parts of the country before the Aryans. There is linguistic and archaeological evidence to suggest that pro-Aryan indigenous "Janas were settled originally on the plains and rivers and valleys of the land.
The tribal people of India have been a subject of interest for a variety of people for a variety of reasons. They have been portrayed as a segment of Indian society, primitive and simple, having exotic customs and practices and leading a very colorful life.
Indian tribes are the autochthonous of the land who are believed to be the earliest settlers in Indian peninsula. In India, tribes are generally called Adivasis Vanvasi, Vanyajati, Adimjati, Girijan and Pahari etc. as they are believed to be the original inhabitants of this land who continue to maintain their distinct territorial and cultural identity. Tribal peoples representing ancient races and civilizations, following different faith and practicing diverse cultures are found in almost all parts of the world. Etymologically, the term tribe derives its origin from the Latin word tribes meaning three divisions comprising social, political and economic systems. Some major characteristics of these groups have been: simple economy, unsophisticated rituals and social customs.
There are tribes in India, spread over different parts at different levels of socio-economic development. The tribes in India broadly belong to three stocks namely, the Negritos, the Mongoloids and the Mediterraneans. The Negritos are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the Indian peninsula. The Mongoloid race is represented by the tribal peoples of Sub-Himalayan region. They may be divided into two categories, namely, the paleo Mongoloids and the Tibeto Mongoloids. The Mediterranean tribals are generally known as the Dravidians. They are found in the Chotanagpur Plateau, Rajmahal Hills region the Aravalli Ranges, the Central Vindhyanchal, and the Deccan Plateau region and Nilgiri Hills. Primitive tribes are distinguished from other Scheduled Tribes as they constitute the lowest layer among the Schedules Tribes, having pre-agricultural stage of economy and very low literacy level.
The history of India has been influenced by its tribal people from the Vedic to the British period. Victory of Ram, the king of Ayodhya over Ravana, the king of Lanka, with the help of Banar tribe during Vedic period, effective use of the Bhil tribe by Maharana Pratap of Udaipur in Rajasthan against the Mugal Emperor, protracted guerrilla warfare for effective resistance of entry of the British into tribal areas of Chota Nagpur and Santhal Parganas by the people from Munda, Oraon, Santhal, Ho etc tribes and successful struggle of Naga and other tribes in the North-Eastern region against the British to defend their territory.
The tribes are still known for their bravery and sustain the customs and traditions of organizing exciting contests in martial arts, sports and athletic activities to show their courage and skills. Tribals are notable for their adaptation to their physical environment. They have a symbiotic relation with the natural setting. They have unique love for their homeland, its forest, hill, rivers, etc. They have an integrity of spirit deeper than conscious reasoning.
The ancient and medieval sources of information including the Vedic and the Epic literature mention various tribes like the Bharatas, the Bhils, the Kollas, the Kiratas, the Kiris, the Matysas, the Nisadas and the Banars A tribe was homogeneous and self-contained unit without any hierarchical discrimination. Each tribe had its own system of administration. There was decentralization of authority among the tribes.
The tribes of India are practically by religion a Hindu. The statistical treatment of religion in the Census of India 1961 presents a very clear picture of the religions of tribal India. The tribals have reported altogether 59 religions in which they believe.
Hindu (932)
Agriculture (123)
Ancient (1104)
Archaeology (796)
Architecture (564)
Art & Culture (926)
Biography (729)
Buddhist (551)
Cookery (166)
Emperor & Queen (576)
Islam (246)
Jainism (322)
Literary (891)
Mahatma Gandhi (386)
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