India It is a gigantic country with more than 1300 billion inhabitants, which makes it the second most populous country in the world. It is known as a subcontinent as it has enormous linguistic, genetic, and cultural diversity second only to Africa.
Millions of people make up a very complex society and diversity is reflected, for example, in many tribes. Only some are legally registered and protected within the constitution and we will talk about them today: indian tribes.
Tribes of India
According to article 342 of the Indian constitution, the so-called Scheduled Tribes are those tribes or tribal communities, or portions of groups within those tribes and communities, that have earned such recognition by the state.
Within these tribes many have become accustomed and integrated into modern life, but there are also other groups whose existence is more vulnerable. Today, there is an official classification that distinguishes this group under the name Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. What is the most important information about the tribes of India?
- They inhabit 30 states. The state of Madhya Pradesh has 14.7% of the total, followed by Maharashtra with 0.1%. Others have tribes but are not registered.
- There are 705 registered individual ethnic groups
- They represent 104 million people, that is, 8.6% of the total population of the country, and preferentially inhabit densely forested and hilly areas.
- basically they are geographically isolated tribes, with a particular culture, with primitive traitslittle and timid contact with larger communities and backward economies.
gond tribe
This tribe is found especially in the central india and in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, but also in parts of Abndra Pradesh and Orissa. When tourists are admiring, for example, the Sanchi stupa or the beautiful sculptures of Khajuraho, they are very close to the Godi forest and these people.
The Gond tribe is a rural tribe, which live in colorful housesMud-walled, they wear saris and jewelry, and celebrate colorful festivals like Madai and Keslapur. They are not vegetarian and meat is an important part of their diet.
Bhil Tribe
They are people who inhabit Rajasthan so if you are going to contemplate the beautiful and imposing palaces and temples of Jain you are going to discover the lifestyle of these people. They live mainly in the Aravali ranges of Sirohi, in Udaipur, and also in some places in Dungarpur and Banswara, both districts of Rajasthan. Some also inhabit some parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Triura and Gujarat.
In January and February, very important cultural festivals take place, such as the Baneshwar Fair, with the typical Ghoomar dance and the Than Gair theater.
Shanthal Tribe
It is one of the largest and most important tribes in West Bengal, and they are seen especially in Bankuka and Purulia districts, in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam. If you want to see these people face to face, the trip can begin in Calcutta, the capital of India, towards the terracotta temples of Bishnupur and Bolpur.
This tribe is a farming tribe and cattle raising, although they are also good hunters. They have wonderful music and dance and it is the most attractive to the traveler. That is why its festivals are very popular: Maghe, Baba Bonga, Karam, Sahrai, Ero, Asaria, Namah, Disum Sendra.
Khasi Tribe
this tribe inhabits the mystical mountains of Meghalaya and they are very musical people who shake drums, guitars, flutes, wooden pipes, metal cymbals… These people live in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, and in parts of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.
It is worth participating in Nongkrem Festival, a super extravagant five-day colorful festival.
Garo Tribe
this tribe is matriarchal, one of the few matriarchal societies in the entire world. They mostly inhabit the hills of Meghalaya, or neighboring areas of Bangladesh and parts of West Bengal, Nagaland and Assam.
It is very easy to distinguish this tribe from others as the women adorn themselves with traditional jewelry and the men wear turbans on their heads with many feathers. Their houses are also private, so be sure to take photos in Nokpante, Jamsireng, Jamadaal or Nokmong, and of course, participate in the Asanang Wangala Festival.
Angami Tribe
this tribe inhabits northeast India, Nagaland. It is one of the largest tribes in this part of the country, with a strong presence in the Kohima district. They are a people known for producing bamboo items, cane furniture, beds, and machetes.
The men dress in black and white and the women wear bracelets, earrings and pearls. Both very striking. A good time to meet this tribe is during the Hornbill Festival.
World Tribe
This tribe mostly inhabits the plateau of Chota Nagpur and Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha or Chhattisgarh. It is a tribe with a very simple lifestyle, who follow the Sarna religion and so, believe in a god called Singonga.
Its most important festivals are the Mage, Karam, Sarhul and Phagu, all of which attract travelers from many parts of the world.
Bhutia Tribe
this tribe dominates the closed territory of Sikkim, right on the border with the Himalayas. They are a people well known for their traditions, their art and their cuisine. His most famous dish is momo, steamed dumplings filled with meat.
The best time to go to this part of India and meet these people is during the Loosong Festival and Losar Festival, popular festivals full of color, religion, art and music.
Chenchu Tribe
This tribe has inhabited for thousands of years Andhra Pradesh, in the misty Nallamala Hills. They lead a hard life, always dependent on hunting and the products provided by the jungle such as fruits, roots, flowers, honey and various tubers.
It is a tribe of many rituals, after all they have many gods and goddesses, and that is basically what attracts travelers who come to meet them.
Kodava Tribe
One of the biggest tourist attractions of this tribe is harmony and its culture. They love music and dance and that is particularly in its most important festivals like the Puttari Festival, the Kaveri Sankramana and the Kailpodhu.
Es one of the most distinctive tribes of India, always known for her bravery, and although today her agility and intelligence no longer battle, you can see them during the Kodava Hockey Festival. Yes, hockey! Both men and women love this sport.
Toto Tribe
Is one of the most isolated tribes of all the tribes of India. He lives in the village of Totopara, in the Jalpaiguri district to the west bengal. They carry a very simple lifestyle y depend on fruits and vegetables. Although they call themselves Buddhists, they also believe in the god Ishpa and the goddess Cheima.
If you are going to visit the Jaldapara National Park, one of the most popular in the country, just 20 kilometers from Totopara, you can visit it.
We could go on listing and describing indian tribes: Irula, Nyishi, Boo, Warli, Toda, Kurumban, Soliga, Siddis, Birhor, Korku and many more. The truth is that when you learn about India you realize the complexity of this country, its great cultural richness and the enormous challenge involved in governing it and getting it out of the extreme poverty in which a large part of its population lives.