Geographical spread | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

India, with its rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, is also home to a diverse array of tribal communities. These indigenous groups have unique identities, languages, and socio-cultural practices that enrich the nation's cultural mosaic. In this article, we will delve into the geographical spread of Indian tribes, exploring their historical, ethnic, and socio-cultural connections across various regions of the country.

Major Tribal Communities

The Gonds, Bhills, and Santhals

Three prominent tribal communities in India stand out due to their large populations and wide geographical distribution. These are:

• Gonds: Spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, the Gonds number over four million.
• Bhills: Occupying regions in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, the Bhills also boast a population exceeding four million.
• Santhals: With more than three million members, the Santhals call Jharkhand, Orissa, and West Bengal their home.

Territorial Groupings

To comprehend the dispersion of tribal communities, sociologists like Roy Burman have classified them into five territorial groupings based on historical and socio-cultural relationships.
These groupings are:

• North-east India: Encompassing Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura, this region hosts various tribes.
• Sub-Himalayan Region: Covering hill districts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, this area harbors tribal populations with unique traditions.
• Central and East India: Including Madhya Pradesh (Chhattisgarh) and Andhra Pradesh, this zone houses diverse tribal communities.
• South India: Comprising Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, South India is home to its own set of indigenous tribes.
• Western India: Encompassing Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, Western India boasts its own tribal diversity.

L.P. Vidyarthi's Classification

Another notable classification by L.P. Vidyarthi divides tribal people into four major zones, considering factors like ethnicity and population distribution. These zones are:

• Himalayan Region: Spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Terai area of Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura, this region houses 11% of India's tribal population.
• Middle India: Encompassing West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, this region boasts around 57% of the Indian tribal population.
• Western India: Including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, this zone contains about 25% of the Indian tribal population.
• Southern India: Covering Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this region hosts around 7% of the Indian tribal population.

Diversity in Racial and Linguistic Groups

Indian tribes exhibit significant diversity in terms of racial and linguistic affiliations. They belong to various racial groups, such as proto-Australoid (including Santhals, Munda, Oraon, and Bhumij) and Mongoloid (including Garo, etc.). Linguistic groups include Austric (like Santhals, Munda, and Bhumij), Dravidian (like Oraon), and Tibeto-Chinese (like Garo, Bhutia, etc.). 

Economic and Social Diversity

• Tribal communities in India also vary significantly in their economic activities, social structures, and religious beliefs. Their main occupations range from forestry and food-gathering to shifting cultivation, settled agriculture, agricultural labor, animal husbandry, and household industry. 
• While most follow patrilineal social systems, some have matrilineal structures. Religiously, many have embraced Christianity (e.g., Nagas, Mizos, Santhals, Oraon, and Munda), Buddhism (e.g., Bhutia, Lepcha), or have been assimilated into Hinduism (e.g., Bhumij and Bhills).

Racial Types and Languages

The dominant racial type among tribes in India is the proto-Australoid, with the Mongoloid type being more prevalent in the sub-Himalayan belt. Additionally, Mediterranean and Negrito types can be found in various regions. Tribal languages are equally diverse, representing Austric, Dravidian, and Tibeto-Chinese language families. Many tribal people are bilingual, reflecting the linguistic richness of their heritage. 

Socio-economic Backwardness

Despite their cultural richness, many tribal communities in India face technological and educational challenges, resulting in socio-economic backwardness. Efforts to address these disparities and preserve their unique identities are ongoing, reflecting the nation's commitment to its diverse heritage.

In conclusion, India's tribal communities are a testament to the country's cultural richness and diversity. Their geographical spread, cultural variations, and unique identities add vibrancy to India's sociological tapestry, making them an essential part of the nation's heritage and identity.