Scheduled Tribes | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• In Andhra Pradesh, the Scheduled Tribe population accounts for 5.3% of the total population of the state. 
• The highest concentration of ST population is found in Vishakapatnam District, followed by Vizianagram, Nellore, and Srikakulam in terms of percentage. On the other hand, the lowest population is observed in Kurnool District.
• The sex ratio among Scheduled Tribes in Andhra Pradesh is 1009. It is highest in Vizianagaram and lowest in Anantapur.

Major Tribes of Andhra Pradesh

Gadaba Tribe

• The Gadaba tribe is predominantly located in the Agency Area of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts, as well as in certain agency tracts of Koraput and Ganjam districts in Odisha. The tribe traces its origins to their migration from the banks of the Gadabari (Godavari) river to Nandapur, the former capital of the Rajas of Jeypore.
• One possible derivation of their name is from the Tamil word "Kadu," meaning ear, due to their distinctive earrings. Alternatively, their name might come from the Sanskrit words "gatvara" or "kadavada," suggesting locomotion or indistinct speech, respectively.

Jatapu Tribe

• The Jatapu tribe primarily inhabits the hills of central India, with significant populations in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh, along with communities in Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Over time, many Jatapu individuals have shifted from their original language, Jatapu, to adopting Telugu as their primary language.
• Despite their lack of deep historical roots, the Jatapu tribe's linguistic heritage belongs to the Kui-Kuvi branch of Central Dravidian languages.
• The Jatapu community is experiencing growth both in terms of material wealth and political influence. They own fertile lands, rich forests, and possess significant wealth in cash, jewelry, and property compared to neighboring communities. 
• Many Jatapu members hold local government positions and are aspiring to higher district and legislative roles. The Jatapu people are known for their friendly and considerate nature, along with a strong emphasis on cleanliness. Most Jatapu men are actively involved as caring fathers.

Koya Community

• The Koya community resides in forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River, primarily in Andhra Pradesh, with populations also in Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. 
• They trace their origins back to Bastar in northern India and believe their main deity still resides in a cave in that region. According to Koya mythology, water is considered the source of life.
• Livelihood and Settlement: The Koya people are predominantly farmers, historically moving between plots for farming. Recent government policies have restricted their mobility, encouraging them to farm on fixed lands. Koya communities typically reside in villages near water sources.
• Social Structure: All Koya individuals are part of one of five sub-divisions known as gotrams. Each Koya member is born into a clan and remains part of it throughout life. Important life events such as birth, marriage, and death are celebrated within the community. Family units are referred to as kutum.

Chenchu Tribe

• The Chenchu people reside in the hilly regions of southern India, mainly in Andhra Pradesh.
• They heavily rely on the natural environment for their food, following a traditional lifestyle of hunting and gathering passed down through generations.
• Due to increasing agricultural activities, many Chenchu individuals have transitioned to farming and forest labor, settling in towns and villages.
• Chenchu society is structured around clans, local groups, and families, with a practice of exogamous marriages and patrilineal descent.

Hill Reddy Tribe

• The Hill Reddy Tribe historically belongs to the Sudra Varna in Hindu society, with a subgroup known as Kapu, signifying guardianship.
• Most members of the Reddy community consume a non-vegetarian diet, with rice serving as a staple food, alongside other cereals like Jowar, wheat, bajra, and ragi.
• Social structures within the Reddy community include clans, lineages, subcastes, and sects, influencing marriage practices.
• Language-wise, the Reddy people primarily speak Kannada and Telugu.
• Marriage customs among the Reddy permit cross-cousin unions but prohibit widow remarriage.
• Traditionally, the Reddy have held positions as landlords and landowners, with social order maintained through caste and village councils.

Bagata Tribe

• The Bagata Tribe, also known as Bagatha, Bagat, Bagodi, Bogad, or Bhakta, are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe residing primarily in the states of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Believed to be one of the indigenous tribes, they predominantly engage in farming for livelihood.
• Celebrating their cultural heritage, the Bagata participate in festivals, dances, and music. The Dhimsa dance, a prominent cultural expression, involves active participation from individuals of all ages within the tribe. This traditional dance fosters social connections and camaraderie, particularly during weddings and other social gatherings held in March and April.
• During festive seasons, Bagata dancers visit neighboring villages to showcase their traditional dances and partake in communal feasts, contributing to cultural exchange and community bonding. Known as Sankidi Kelbar, these dances hold significance in preserving and transmitting cultural values, with dance serving as a potential medium for communicating gospel messages.
• The Bagata primarily communicate in a form of the Oriya language, while their main language is Telugu. They also have a local dialect known as Adivasi Oriya, which has gained popularity among the tribe. Social hierarchy within the community mirrors that of other tribes in Orissa.
• Most Bagata members adhere to Hinduism, practicing worship of Hindu deities alongside their tribal gods and goddesses, reflecting a syncretic blend of religious beliefs and practices within the community.