India’s Cultural Geography: Scheduled Tribes

India is home to 697 tribes as notified under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution. The largest concentration is in Odisha, and 80% of the tribal population is in the central states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. There are no recognized tribes in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Puducherry, and Chandigarh. The tribal regions cover around 18.7% of India’s geographical area, with some groups still living in primitive conditions and categorized as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs).

Learning Outcomes:

1. Comprehend the distribution and lifestyle of Indian tribal communities.
2. Identify major tribes and their characteristics.
3. Understand the challenges faced by tribal populations in India.
4. Recognize government interventions for tribal welfare.

Major Tribes and Their Distribution

Bhutia Tribes: Originating from Tibet, Bhutias migrated to Sikkim in the 16th century and are known as the Lachungpa in Northern Sikkim. They also inhabit Darjeeling and Kalimpong. In Sikkim, they are referred to as Denzongpa.

Bodo Tribes: Indigenous to the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, the Bodos are known as early rice cultivators and silkworm rearers. They are the largest ethnic-linguistic tribal group in the region.

Chakma Tribes: Predominantly Buddhist, the Chakmas are found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of eastern Bangladesh and India.

Jarawa Tribes: One of four tribes in the Andaman Islands, the Jarawas are nomadic hunters and gatherers. They live in bands of 40-50 people across two islands.

Khasi Tribes: Early immigrants from Myanmar, Khasis settled in East Assam. They had their kingdom until British rule and are mentioned in Indo-Aryan literature.

Khond Tribes: Found mainly in Odisha, Khonds are also recognized in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. The tribe includes various groups like the hill-dwelling and plain-dwelling Khonds.

Naga Tribes: Linked to tribes in Assam and Myanmar, Nagas belong to the Indo-Mongoloid family. Major Naga tribes include Angami, Chang, Konyak, and Lotha.

Santhal Tribes: The third-largest tribe in India, Santhals inhabit West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, and parts of Bangladesh.

Toda Tribes: An ancient tribe in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Todas have unique customs, a distinct language, and are known for embroidery and buffalo rearing.

Important Note: Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) number 75 and are spread over 17 states and 1 union territory, reflecting the diversity and complexity within India’s tribal populations.

State-wise Distribution of Tribes

Tribal Problems in India

1. Land Acquisition: Opening of mines and factories has led to destitution and displacement of tribal populations. Land alienation began during British rule, where tribal lands were seized by moneylenders and traders.
2. Economic Deprivation: Tribes primarily rely on hunting, gathering, and subsistence farming using primitive technology, resulting in low per capita income.
3. Health Issues: Common health problems include goitre due to iodine deficiency, leprosy, and tuberculosis. High infant mortality rates and malnutrition are prevalent.
4. Educational Challenges: Superstitions and a lack of relevance in formal schooling deter tribal children from education. Remote locations make it difficult to retain teachers.
5. Cultural Erosion: Influence from Christian missionaries and Western culture has led to the loss of traditional tribal languages and customs.

Important Note: Environmental changes, such as deforestation, have further strained the tribal lifestyle, increasing the burden on women to walk longer distances for resources.

Legal Provisions and Governmental Interventions

1. Constitutional Safeguards: Reservation of seats in the legislature and 7.5% government jobs for Scheduled Tribes. Certain areas have been declared Scheduled Areas to regulate land transfer and money-lending.
2. Forest Rights Act 2006: Grants rights to forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
3. Educational and Welfare Schemes: Establishment of schools, hostels, and vocational training institutes. Scholarships are provided at various levels.
4. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (2004): Monitors tribal rights and investigates complaints.
5. TRIFED: The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation promotes tribal products through Tribes India showrooms.

Population of India and National Policies

India’s population exceeds 1.2 billion, contributing to 17.5% of the global population. It is projected to surpass China by 2025. The National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 aims to stabilize the population by 2045 by meeting healthcare needs and promoting family planning.

Census of India

1. 2011 Census: Recorded a population of 1.21 billion, marking a decadal growth of 17.64%.
2. Sex Ratio: National sex ratio improved to 943 females per 1000 males. Kerala leads with 1084 females per 1000 males.
3. Literacy Rate: Increased from 64.83% (2001) to 74.04% (2011). Female literacy improved to 65.46%.
4. Population Density: Increased to 382 persons per sq km. Delhi has the highest density; Arunachal Pradesh, the lowest.

Ancient Tribes on the Verge of Extinction

Problems in Tribal Areas and Government Interventions

1. Land Alienation: Tribal lands were often seized during British rule and continue to be lost to non-tribal entities.
2. Healthcare: Tribes face issues such as goitre, leprosy, and malnutrition. Infant mortality is high due to poor healthcare access.
3. Education: Limited schooling infrastructure and cultural superstitions impede educational progress.

Concept Note: TRIFED aims to create markets for tribal products through Tribes India and various promotional activities.

Comparison of Tribal and National Population Issues

MCQ: Which Indian state has the highest sex ratio as per the 2011 Census?

1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Andhra Pradesh
4. Maharashtra
   Correct Answer: 2. Kerala