Gujarat: Schedule Tribes - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

SC and ST Population in Gujarat

As recorded by the Census of 2011, the population of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Gujarat stood at 40.74 lakh (6.7 percent) and 89.17 lakh (14.8 percent) respectively. This is in comparison to their respective proportions of 16.6 percent and 8.6 percent in India. In Gujarat, SCs and STs constituted 2.0 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively, of the total SC and ST population in India.

• The SC population of 40.74 lakh represents 6.7 percent of the total population in Gujarat, while the ST population of 89.17 lakh makes up 14.8 percent.
• Compared to the national figures, SCs in Gujarat are underrepresented at 2.0 percent in contrast to the 16.6 percent across India. STs, on the other hand, have a proportionate share of 8.6 percent in Gujarat, as opposed to 8.6 percent in the country as a whole.
• Within Gujarat, about 56.0 percent of the Scheduled Castes reside in rural areas, while the remaining 44.0 percent are located in urban regions. In contrast, the Scheduled Tribes exhibit a more pronounced rural distribution, with 90.0 percent residing in rural settings and only 10.0 percent in urban areas.

Population Distribution Details

Delving deeper into the data, it's evident that the distribution of SCs and STs in Gujarat reflects a distinct pattern:

• SCs and STs are numerically significant, with 40.74 lakh SC individuals and 89.17 lakh ST individuals reported in the state.
• The proportion of SCs and STs in Gujarat diverges significantly from the national averages, indicating unique demographic characteristics within the state.
• Urban-rural divide: The distribution of SCs and STs across urban and rural areas highlights disparities in settlement patterns, with a majority of SCs residing in rural regions and a significant ST presence in rural areas as well.

SC and ST Literacy Rate

• The literacy rate for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was recorded at 79.2 percent and 62.5 percent, respectively, according to the 2011 Census data.

SC and ST Sex Ratio

• In the Census of 2011, the sex ratio for Scheduled Castes was reported as 931, while for Scheduled Tribes, it stood at 981.

List of Scheduled Tribes

Below are some examples of Scheduled Tribes:

• Santals
• Gonds
• Bhils

Paraphrased Information on Tribal Groups in Gujarat, India

Tribal Groups in Gujarat

• Barda Bavacha, Bamcha Bharwad: These tribes reside in the forests of Alech, Barada, and Gir.
• Bhil, Bhil Garasia, Dholi Bhil, Dungri Bhil, Dungri Garasia, Mewasi Bhil, Rawal Bhil, Tadvi Bhil, Bhagalia, Bhilala, Pawra, Valvi, Vasava: Various subgroups of the Bhil tribe found in different regions.
• Charan: These tribes inhabit the forests of Alech, Barada, and Gir.
• Chaudhari: Located in the Surat and Valsad districts.

Other Tribal Communities

• Dhanka, Tadvi, Tetaria, Valvi: Tribal groups with distinct cultural identities.
• Dhodia, Dhodi: Indigenous tribes with unique customs and traditions.
• Dubla Talavia, Halpati: Communities with specific geographical locations.
• Gamit, Gamta, Gavit Mavchi, Padvi: Diverse tribes characterized by their settlements and occupations.

• Gond, Rajgond: Tribes with historical roots in the region.
• Kathodi, Katkari, Dhor Kathodi, Dhor Katkari, Son Kathodi, Son Katkari: Various subgroups with their own practices and beliefs.
• Kokna, Kokni, Kukna: Ethnic groups with unique cultural expressions.
• Koli Dhor, Tokre Koli, Kolcha, Kongha: Tribes with specific ways of life and social structures.

Population Data

The population data reflects the demographic distribution of these tribal communities as of 2011.

Population in 2011

In 1972, the Tribal Development Department was established to enhance the implementation of Tribal Welfare Schemes. The year 1976 saw the establishment of the Tribal Development Commissionerate, followed by the formation of a separate Tribal Department in 1984.

Barda

The term "Barda" refers to a hilly region, with its inhabitants known as Barda people. They are believed to have migrated to Gujarat from the Khandesh region and are sometimes referred to as the Khandeshi Bhil. At a regional level, they are considered a subgroup of the Bhil community.

Bawcha

There is limited written evidence available regarding the origin of the Bawcha tribe. Speculations suggest that the Bawcha tribe may have originated from the Yadav or Pandav dynasties, based on customs such as marriage between maternal cousins.

Bharwad

The term "Bharwad" is believed to be a variation of the word 'Badawad,' where 'bada' signifies sheep and 'wada' in Gujarati denotes a compound or enclosure. Members of this shepherd caste who owned compounds or pens were known as Badawad.

Bhil

The Bhil tribe is the second largest tribe in India. As per the 2001 census, the Bhil tribal population was recorded at 3,441,945 individuals, with 1,749,813 males and 1,695,132 females. The Bhil community primarily resides in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Charan

Charan is a tribal group known for its distinct cultural practices and heritage. They have a rich history that is intertwined with traditions, legends, and rituals. The Charans have traditionally been associated with storytelling, music, and various forms of artistic expression.

Paraphrasing of Scheduled Tribes Information in Gujarat

Charan Tribe

Choudhuri / Choudhury Community

Chodhara Tribe

Dhodia People

Gamit Community

Gond Tribe

Images

Understanding Indian Tribes

The Halpati Tribe

The Kukana Tribe

The Kunbi Tribe

The Naikda Tribe

The Patelia Tribe

The Pomla Tribe

Paraphrased Information on Tribes

Rabari Tribe

The Rabari tribe, historically known as the Bhopa, potentially signifies a ruler of the land or a wealthy individual. The exact origins of the term "Rabari" remain somewhat ambiguous, with interpretations suggesting someone who transcends rules and regulations.

Rathwa Tribe

The Rathwa tribe, possibly originating from the term "rathbistar," indicating forest and hilly regions, denotes those who inhabit such areas. They are also recognized as Rathawa Koli.

Warli Tribe

The Warli tribe, predominantly dwelling in mountainous regions like Dharampur, Vansda talukas, and the coastal area of Umbergaon taluka in Valsad district, are most concentrated in Umbergaon taluka.

Tadvi Tribe

The Tadvi tribe, historically associated with various surnames like Valvi or Tetariya, might have been called Tadvi due to consuming horse meat during a famine period, suggesting a connection to horse riding.

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