Korava , karacha and yerukula of the madras presidency is known as criminal tribes.

Criminal Tribes:

Criminal Tribes were communities in colonial India that were labeled as criminal by the British authorities based on their traditional occupations and way of life. These communities were stigmatized and subjected to various forms of discrimination and control measures.

Identification and Classification:

The British colonial administration categorized certain tribes as "criminal" due to their perceived criminal tendencies or occupations that were deemed deviant by the British authorities. The Criminal Tribes were identified based on their hereditary occupations such as hunting, gathering, nomadic trading, and other activities that were outside the mainstream agrarian economy.

Control Measures:

Once classified as criminal, the British authorities implemented various control measures to monitor and regulate the activities of these tribes. These measures included the imposition of strict surveillance, forced settlements, restrictions on movement, and the requirement to carry identification papers. The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 was a significant legislation used to enforce these control measures.

Stigma and Discrimination:

The labeling of these communities as criminal led to a pervasive stigma, resulting in social exclusion and discrimination. They were often subjected to harsh treatment, such as periodic raids, confiscation of property, and arrests without proper evidence or due process. The stigma associated with being labeled as criminal further perpetuated the marginalization of these communities.

Forest Society and Colonialism:

During the colonial period, the British administration sought to assert control over the vast forests and natural resources of India. The Forest Acts were enacted to regulate and exploit these resources for British economic interests. Forest-dwelling communities, including the Criminal Tribes, became targets of colonial policies aimed at consolidating control over these forested areas.

Exploitation and Displacement:

The Forest Acts restricted the traditional access and use of forest resources by indigenous communities, including the Criminal Tribes. These communities faced displacement from their ancestral lands, loss of livelihoods, and increased vulnerability to exploitation. The British administration often justified these actions under the pretext of protecting forest resources and curbing criminal activities.

Legacy:

The stigmatization and control measures imposed on the Criminal Tribes had long-lasting consequences on their social and economic well-being. Even after India gained independence, the impact of these policies persisted, with many of these communities continuing to face discrimination and marginalization. Efforts have been made in recent years to address these historical injustices and promote the rights and welfare of these communities.