Notes: Tribal Communities in India | Sociology Mains Optional for UPSC 2024 PDF Download

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SOCIOLOGY PAPER-2 
B-3 
TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA 
 
Definitional problems and geographical spread 
 
1. Sociologists, anthropologists, social workers still not on same wavelength about the 
definition of the tribes 
2. Arthur Wilke- "For years ambiguity has stalked India's official portrait of tribal people" 
3. Main scholars- Mandel Baum, Roy Burman, Vidyarthi, Elwin 
4. Tribal population - 15% of the area, 8% of the population- over 700 under as per schedule 
under article 342 
5. Traditional definitions of tribal - Tribal communities in Indiaitional definitions of a tribe 
mentioned (as mentioned by Naik) 
1. Living in forest- Dublas of Surat and host of others do not live in forests. They live 
in fertile plains 
2. Primitive religion- There is a continuance from tribal gods, to Hinduised tribes 
some converted to Christianity, Islam  
3. Geographic isolation- Hundreds of tribes who are not living an isolated life-- (Bhil 
Santhal, Irula) 
4. Primitive economic system--> Many peasant groups who are living by equally 
primitive economic system 
5. Economic backward- Many of the tribes are self sufficient and more economically 
forward than many castes. For e.g. Khasi, Gond, Bhil are more economically 
specialised than their non tribal neighbours 
6. Common language or dialects - Common in Assam and other Central indian tribes 
but not for many Western and Southern Indian tribes 
7. Politically organised- May not always be politically organised or even have a tribal 
Panchayat. Some tribals may or may not have single chief or a few elders Schedule 
5,6, TAC -> Pol. Orgn PESA 
8. Joint ownership of property---> May or may not be true. For e.g. among Hos it is 
not exclusive FRA 
6. Definitional problems due to  
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SOCIOLOGY PAPER-2 
B-3 
TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA 
 
Definitional problems and geographical spread 
 
1. Sociologists, anthropologists, social workers still not on same wavelength about the 
definition of the tribes 
2. Arthur Wilke- "For years ambiguity has stalked India's official portrait of tribal people" 
3. Main scholars- Mandel Baum, Roy Burman, Vidyarthi, Elwin 
4. Tribal population - 15% of the area, 8% of the population- over 700 under as per schedule 
under article 342 
5. Traditional definitions of tribal - Tribal communities in Indiaitional definitions of a tribe 
mentioned (as mentioned by Naik) 
1. Living in forest- Dublas of Surat and host of others do not live in forests. They live 
in fertile plains 
2. Primitive religion- There is a continuance from tribal gods, to Hinduised tribes 
some converted to Christianity, Islam  
3. Geographic isolation- Hundreds of tribes who are not living an isolated life-- (Bhil 
Santhal, Irula) 
4. Primitive economic system--> Many peasant groups who are living by equally 
primitive economic system 
5. Economic backward- Many of the tribes are self sufficient and more economically 
forward than many castes. For e.g. Khasi, Gond, Bhil are more economically 
specialised than their non tribal neighbours 
6. Common language or dialects - Common in Assam and other Central indian tribes 
but not for many Western and Southern Indian tribes 
7. Politically organised- May not always be politically organised or even have a tribal 
Panchayat. Some tribals may or may not have single chief or a few elders Schedule 
5,6, TAC -> Pol. Orgn PESA 
8. Joint ownership of property---> May or may not be true. For e.g. among Hos it is 
not exclusive FRA 
6. Definitional problems due to  
 
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1. Dynamics of tribes--> no more traditional stereotype 
2. Tremendous increase in population and migration 
3. Welfare policies have led to breaking the stereotypes 
7. D.N. Majumdar states that, except for the tribes of Eastern India, everywhere else ethnic 
strains have crisscrossed in the sub-continent 
8. F.G. Bailey thus suggests that the definition of tribe should be seen in a continuum: the 
tribe at one end and caste. On the other end 
1. Srikanth-- 1) tribals, 2)semi tribals, 3) Acultural tribes, 4) Assimilated tribes 
2. Ghurye- Hinduised tribes-->partially hinduised tribes--->Hill section 
3. DN Mujumdar- Primitive tribes--->Tribe with degree of association--->hinduised 
tribe 
4. Elwin- Most primitive-->Individualistic-->Detribalised--> Tribal aristocrats 
5. Even Beteille says "there is no satisfactory way to define a tribe. It can only be 
explained through the continuum 
9. Geographical spread 
1. The tribal population can be demarcated in the following three geographical zones: 
1. North-North-Eastern Zone : It includes the tribal areas of Ladakh 
(Jammu & Kashmir), Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Sikkim and the North 
East comprising seven states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, 
Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura). 
2. Central or Middle Zone: It includes West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, 
Southern Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya 
Pradesh, Maharashtra. 
3. Southern Zone: It includes Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala 
and the Andaman – Nicobar  
4. Some major  
1. >4mn Gonds- MP, Maharashtra, AP 
2. >4mn Bhils- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP 
3. >3mn Santhals- Orrisa, Jharkhand, WB 
10. Wide variation in socio economic development 
1. Mostly patrilinear- but some matrilinear (Garo) 
2. Embraced different religions 
1. Naga, Mizo, Santhals, Munda- Christianity 
Page 3


 
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SOCIOLOGY PAPER-2 
B-3 
TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA 
 
Definitional problems and geographical spread 
 
1. Sociologists, anthropologists, social workers still not on same wavelength about the 
definition of the tribes 
2. Arthur Wilke- "For years ambiguity has stalked India's official portrait of tribal people" 
3. Main scholars- Mandel Baum, Roy Burman, Vidyarthi, Elwin 
4. Tribal population - 15% of the area, 8% of the population- over 700 under as per schedule 
under article 342 
5. Traditional definitions of tribal - Tribal communities in Indiaitional definitions of a tribe 
mentioned (as mentioned by Naik) 
1. Living in forest- Dublas of Surat and host of others do not live in forests. They live 
in fertile plains 
2. Primitive religion- There is a continuance from tribal gods, to Hinduised tribes 
some converted to Christianity, Islam  
3. Geographic isolation- Hundreds of tribes who are not living an isolated life-- (Bhil 
Santhal, Irula) 
4. Primitive economic system--> Many peasant groups who are living by equally 
primitive economic system 
5. Economic backward- Many of the tribes are self sufficient and more economically 
forward than many castes. For e.g. Khasi, Gond, Bhil are more economically 
specialised than their non tribal neighbours 
6. Common language or dialects - Common in Assam and other Central indian tribes 
but not for many Western and Southern Indian tribes 
7. Politically organised- May not always be politically organised or even have a tribal 
Panchayat. Some tribals may or may not have single chief or a few elders Schedule 
5,6, TAC -> Pol. Orgn PESA 
8. Joint ownership of property---> May or may not be true. For e.g. among Hos it is 
not exclusive FRA 
6. Definitional problems due to  
 
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1. Dynamics of tribes--> no more traditional stereotype 
2. Tremendous increase in population and migration 
3. Welfare policies have led to breaking the stereotypes 
7. D.N. Majumdar states that, except for the tribes of Eastern India, everywhere else ethnic 
strains have crisscrossed in the sub-continent 
8. F.G. Bailey thus suggests that the definition of tribe should be seen in a continuum: the 
tribe at one end and caste. On the other end 
1. Srikanth-- 1) tribals, 2)semi tribals, 3) Acultural tribes, 4) Assimilated tribes 
2. Ghurye- Hinduised tribes-->partially hinduised tribes--->Hill section 
3. DN Mujumdar- Primitive tribes--->Tribe with degree of association--->hinduised 
tribe 
4. Elwin- Most primitive-->Individualistic-->Detribalised--> Tribal aristocrats 
5. Even Beteille says "there is no satisfactory way to define a tribe. It can only be 
explained through the continuum 
9. Geographical spread 
1. The tribal population can be demarcated in the following three geographical zones: 
1. North-North-Eastern Zone : It includes the tribal areas of Ladakh 
(Jammu & Kashmir), Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Sikkim and the North 
East comprising seven states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, 
Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura). 
2. Central or Middle Zone: It includes West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, 
Southern Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya 
Pradesh, Maharashtra. 
3. Southern Zone: It includes Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala 
and the Andaman – Nicobar  
4. Some major  
1. >4mn Gonds- MP, Maharashtra, AP 
2. >4mn Bhils- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP 
3. >3mn Santhals- Orrisa, Jharkhand, WB 
10. Wide variation in socio economic development 
1. Mostly patrilinear- but some matrilinear (Garo) 
2. Embraced different religions 
1. Naga, Mizo, Santhals, Munda- Christianity 
 
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2. Bhutia, Lepcha- Buddhism 
3. Bhils, Bhimis- Hinduism 
3. Occupations 
1. Food gatherers, forestry, shifting cultivation, agriculture, labourers 
11. Constitutional Safeguards 
1. Article 15(4) ---> special provisions are made for educational advancement of 
the Scheduled Tribes. These provisions are like reservation of seats and relaxation 
in marks in admission to educational institutions, scholarships, etc. 
2. Article 46 -->the State to promote with special care to education and economic 
interests of SC and ST and protect them from social injustice and all forms of 
exploitation. 
3. Articles 330 and 332 ---> seats are reserved for SC and ST in Lok Sabha & 
State Vidhan Sabhas. 
4. Under Artcle 339(1)--->  the President may at anytime appoint a 
Commission to report on the administration of the Scheduled Area and the welfare 
of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the State. 
 
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Definition:  
1) Primitive traits  
2) Distinctive culture  
3) Geography Isolation  
4) Shyness from general Population  
5) Backwardness  
Initially tribals were ignored because of ->  
- partition,  
- states re organization,  
- resource requirements for industries,  
- LR,  
- Less political participation 
- Wars. etc. 
R – Religion 
I – Isolated  
P – Political 
Page 4


 
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SOCIOLOGY PAPER-2 
B-3 
TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA 
 
Definitional problems and geographical spread 
 
1. Sociologists, anthropologists, social workers still not on same wavelength about the 
definition of the tribes 
2. Arthur Wilke- "For years ambiguity has stalked India's official portrait of tribal people" 
3. Main scholars- Mandel Baum, Roy Burman, Vidyarthi, Elwin 
4. Tribal population - 15% of the area, 8% of the population- over 700 under as per schedule 
under article 342 
5. Traditional definitions of tribal - Tribal communities in Indiaitional definitions of a tribe 
mentioned (as mentioned by Naik) 
1. Living in forest- Dublas of Surat and host of others do not live in forests. They live 
in fertile plains 
2. Primitive religion- There is a continuance from tribal gods, to Hinduised tribes 
some converted to Christianity, Islam  
3. Geographic isolation- Hundreds of tribes who are not living an isolated life-- (Bhil 
Santhal, Irula) 
4. Primitive economic system--> Many peasant groups who are living by equally 
primitive economic system 
5. Economic backward- Many of the tribes are self sufficient and more economically 
forward than many castes. For e.g. Khasi, Gond, Bhil are more economically 
specialised than their non tribal neighbours 
6. Common language or dialects - Common in Assam and other Central indian tribes 
but not for many Western and Southern Indian tribes 
7. Politically organised- May not always be politically organised or even have a tribal 
Panchayat. Some tribals may or may not have single chief or a few elders Schedule 
5,6, TAC -> Pol. Orgn PESA 
8. Joint ownership of property---> May or may not be true. For e.g. among Hos it is 
not exclusive FRA 
6. Definitional problems due to  
 
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1. Dynamics of tribes--> no more traditional stereotype 
2. Tremendous increase in population and migration 
3. Welfare policies have led to breaking the stereotypes 
7. D.N. Majumdar states that, except for the tribes of Eastern India, everywhere else ethnic 
strains have crisscrossed in the sub-continent 
8. F.G. Bailey thus suggests that the definition of tribe should be seen in a continuum: the 
tribe at one end and caste. On the other end 
1. Srikanth-- 1) tribals, 2)semi tribals, 3) Acultural tribes, 4) Assimilated tribes 
2. Ghurye- Hinduised tribes-->partially hinduised tribes--->Hill section 
3. DN Mujumdar- Primitive tribes--->Tribe with degree of association--->hinduised 
tribe 
4. Elwin- Most primitive-->Individualistic-->Detribalised--> Tribal aristocrats 
5. Even Beteille says "there is no satisfactory way to define a tribe. It can only be 
explained through the continuum 
9. Geographical spread 
1. The tribal population can be demarcated in the following three geographical zones: 
1. North-North-Eastern Zone : It includes the tribal areas of Ladakh 
(Jammu & Kashmir), Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Sikkim and the North 
East comprising seven states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, 
Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura). 
2. Central or Middle Zone: It includes West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, 
Southern Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya 
Pradesh, Maharashtra. 
3. Southern Zone: It includes Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala 
and the Andaman – Nicobar  
4. Some major  
1. >4mn Gonds- MP, Maharashtra, AP 
2. >4mn Bhils- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP 
3. >3mn Santhals- Orrisa, Jharkhand, WB 
10. Wide variation in socio economic development 
1. Mostly patrilinear- but some matrilinear (Garo) 
2. Embraced different religions 
1. Naga, Mizo, Santhals, Munda- Christianity 
 
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2. Bhutia, Lepcha- Buddhism 
3. Bhils, Bhimis- Hinduism 
3. Occupations 
1. Food gatherers, forestry, shifting cultivation, agriculture, labourers 
11. Constitutional Safeguards 
1. Article 15(4) ---> special provisions are made for educational advancement of 
the Scheduled Tribes. These provisions are like reservation of seats and relaxation 
in marks in admission to educational institutions, scholarships, etc. 
2. Article 46 -->the State to promote with special care to education and economic 
interests of SC and ST and protect them from social injustice and all forms of 
exploitation. 
3. Articles 330 and 332 ---> seats are reserved for SC and ST in Lok Sabha & 
State Vidhan Sabhas. 
4. Under Artcle 339(1)--->  the President may at anytime appoint a 
Commission to report on the administration of the Scheduled Area and the welfare 
of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the State. 
 
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Definition:  
1) Primitive traits  
2) Distinctive culture  
3) Geography Isolation  
4) Shyness from general Population  
5) Backwardness  
Initially tribals were ignored because of ->  
- partition,  
- states re organization,  
- resource requirements for industries,  
- LR,  
- Less political participation 
- Wars. etc. 
R – Religion 
I – Isolated  
P – Political 
 
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P – Property 
L – Live (where do they live) 
E - Economy 
D - Dialects 
 
  
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SOCIOLOGY PAPER-2 
B-3 
TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA 
 
Definitional problems and geographical spread 
 
1. Sociologists, anthropologists, social workers still not on same wavelength about the 
definition of the tribes 
2. Arthur Wilke- "For years ambiguity has stalked India's official portrait of tribal people" 
3. Main scholars- Mandel Baum, Roy Burman, Vidyarthi, Elwin 
4. Tribal population - 15% of the area, 8% of the population- over 700 under as per schedule 
under article 342 
5. Traditional definitions of tribal - Tribal communities in Indiaitional definitions of a tribe 
mentioned (as mentioned by Naik) 
1. Living in forest- Dublas of Surat and host of others do not live in forests. They live 
in fertile plains 
2. Primitive religion- There is a continuance from tribal gods, to Hinduised tribes 
some converted to Christianity, Islam  
3. Geographic isolation- Hundreds of tribes who are not living an isolated life-- (Bhil 
Santhal, Irula) 
4. Primitive economic system--> Many peasant groups who are living by equally 
primitive economic system 
5. Economic backward- Many of the tribes are self sufficient and more economically 
forward than many castes. For e.g. Khasi, Gond, Bhil are more economically 
specialised than their non tribal neighbours 
6. Common language or dialects - Common in Assam and other Central indian tribes 
but not for many Western and Southern Indian tribes 
7. Politically organised- May not always be politically organised or even have a tribal 
Panchayat. Some tribals may or may not have single chief or a few elders Schedule 
5,6, TAC -> Pol. Orgn PESA 
8. Joint ownership of property---> May or may not be true. For e.g. among Hos it is 
not exclusive FRA 
6. Definitional problems due to  
 
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1. Dynamics of tribes--> no more traditional stereotype 
2. Tremendous increase in population and migration 
3. Welfare policies have led to breaking the stereotypes 
7. D.N. Majumdar states that, except for the tribes of Eastern India, everywhere else ethnic 
strains have crisscrossed in the sub-continent 
8. F.G. Bailey thus suggests that the definition of tribe should be seen in a continuum: the 
tribe at one end and caste. On the other end 
1. Srikanth-- 1) tribals, 2)semi tribals, 3) Acultural tribes, 4) Assimilated tribes 
2. Ghurye- Hinduised tribes-->partially hinduised tribes--->Hill section 
3. DN Mujumdar- Primitive tribes--->Tribe with degree of association--->hinduised 
tribe 
4. Elwin- Most primitive-->Individualistic-->Detribalised--> Tribal aristocrats 
5. Even Beteille says "there is no satisfactory way to define a tribe. It can only be 
explained through the continuum 
9. Geographical spread 
1. The tribal population can be demarcated in the following three geographical zones: 
1. North-North-Eastern Zone : It includes the tribal areas of Ladakh 
(Jammu & Kashmir), Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Sikkim and the North 
East comprising seven states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, 
Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura). 
2. Central or Middle Zone: It includes West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, 
Southern Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya 
Pradesh, Maharashtra. 
3. Southern Zone: It includes Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala 
and the Andaman – Nicobar  
4. Some major  
1. >4mn Gonds- MP, Maharashtra, AP 
2. >4mn Bhils- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP 
3. >3mn Santhals- Orrisa, Jharkhand, WB 
10. Wide variation in socio economic development 
1. Mostly patrilinear- but some matrilinear (Garo) 
2. Embraced different religions 
1. Naga, Mizo, Santhals, Munda- Christianity 
 
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2. Bhutia, Lepcha- Buddhism 
3. Bhils, Bhimis- Hinduism 
3. Occupations 
1. Food gatherers, forestry, shifting cultivation, agriculture, labourers 
11. Constitutional Safeguards 
1. Article 15(4) ---> special provisions are made for educational advancement of 
the Scheduled Tribes. These provisions are like reservation of seats and relaxation 
in marks in admission to educational institutions, scholarships, etc. 
2. Article 46 -->the State to promote with special care to education and economic 
interests of SC and ST and protect them from social injustice and all forms of 
exploitation. 
3. Articles 330 and 332 ---> seats are reserved for SC and ST in Lok Sabha & 
State Vidhan Sabhas. 
4. Under Artcle 339(1)--->  the President may at anytime appoint a 
Commission to report on the administration of the Scheduled Area and the welfare 
of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the State. 
 
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Definition:  
1) Primitive traits  
2) Distinctive culture  
3) Geography Isolation  
4) Shyness from general Population  
5) Backwardness  
Initially tribals were ignored because of ->  
- partition,  
- states re organization,  
- resource requirements for industries,  
- LR,  
- Less political participation 
- Wars. etc. 
R – Religion 
I – Isolated  
P – Political 
 
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P – Property 
L – Live (where do they live) 
E - Economy 
D - Dialects 
 
  
 
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Colonial policies and tribes 
 
C – Christian Missionaries  
A – Administrative Policies  
F – Forest Policies  
E – Exclusion 
 
Lord Dalhousie -> Teak, state property (No MFP)  
1878 Act -> 3 classified -> Reserve, Protected, Village  
5 acts -> State’s control increased  
 
After Independence  ? 3 types of forests  
5 consecutive acts  
1952 -> National interest (Development, Tribals excluded, enemies of forest)  
1988 -> Environmental stability (afforestation, environmental nations)(meeting needs of Tribes)   
2006 -> Forest dwellers rights (MFP, IPR on traditional knowledge, 4 hectare/family, some 
duties to protect)  
(Forest Act) 
- User right  
- Ownerships 
- Control right (buy/sell land) 
 
 
1. During colonial times, 
1. the dominant policy of British --> to safeguard their isolation in officially 
declared excluded or partially excluded areas. 
2. In practice,--> however, the policy of isolation was seriously compromised by 
the dominant concern of the colonial State for maximising revenue extraction, 
because regions of tribal concentration were typically the richest in terms of 
endowments of forest and mineral wealth. 
3. The policy of isolation translated itself into a general policy of non-interference 
with tribal customs and traditions, except where these became barriers to the 
extractive objectives of the colonial State.