Indian tribal people play a key part in constructing the cultural heritage of India. They occupy a major part in the history of India as they are considered as the true habitants of India. The tribal people are scattered in different parts of India and they form a considerable number of the population of India. The traditional and cultural distinction of each tribal community has made them distinguishable from each other and their cultural and traditional heritage add colour and variation to the Indian culture as a whole and form a compact culture. Indian tribal people reside in approximately fifteen percent of the country`s area. They primarily live in various ecological and geo-climatic conditions ranging from plains, forests, hills and inaccessible areas that perhaps lie dotted in the panoramic Indian terrain. |
1. Tribes of North East India
In the north eastern part of India, there is a concentration of a number of tribes. Meghalaya is the abode of a number of tribal communities who have settled down in large numbers. The tribal people of Meghalaya are categorised in two major groups namely the Garos and Hynniewtrep. The Garo tribal community occupies a major part of tribal communities of Meghalaya. Some of the Mizoram tribes are Chakma tribes which is one of the important tribes of Mizoram. The Pawi Tribes of Mizoram are named not after the name of the clan but after the name of the place where there are residing. Another important tribe of Mizoram is Ralte tribes. Manipur houses quite a number of tribes. The tribes of Manipur are as follows Aimol, Angami, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Hmar, Kabui, Kacha Naga, Koirao, Koireng, Kom, Lamgang, Mao, Maram, Maring, Lushai tribes, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Purum, Ralte, Sema, Simte, Sukte, Tangkhul, Thadou, Vaiphei and Zou. The largest population in Assam is that of the Tibeto Burmese descent known as the Bodo tribe and Mishing tribe. Major tribes of Assam make out their livelihood through agriculture and by selling their handicrafts.
2. Tribes of North India
North India also encompasses many tribes. Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir have strictly descended from the Indo-Aryan group of people, which can be credited for the sublime beauty of this exceptional north Indian tribe. With normal Indian food being their staple diet, these North Indian tribes believe in both Hinduism and Islam. Tribes of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand comprise a colossal portion under the north Indian tribal section, with variety speaking out from every section and every sphere of daily life.Tribes in Haryana basically are consisted of nomadic and semi-nomadic individuals, with a somewhat decaying condition of their social and economic condition. There are approximately twenty-five nomadic tribes, with their total count exceeding fifteen lakh. Tribes of Himachal Pradesh can be singled out for their looks, good conduct and religious behaviour towards every kind of situations and places.
3. Tribes of East India
East Indian tribes come to a significant numbering count under the vast section of Indian tribes. Tribes of West Bengal with their incredible talents and improvisations have elevated Bengali tribes into a prestigious hold. Just like customary Bengal tradition, festivals and ceremonies are an integral part of this East Indian tribe. Tribes of Orissa reflect an unusualness right from the infantry stage. Known to have deep-rooted faith in their aboriginal God and animism, tribal people of Orissa have their own set of faiths when it comes to marriage and holy union. Classified into four primary groups of hunter gatherers, shifting agriculture, basic artisans and settled agriculturists, tribes of Jharkhand are diversified through their handiwork and religious customs. East Indian tribes mostly make themselves noticeable in every sphere of day-to-day life, commencing from level-headed past times in culture and entertainment, coupled with rugged outlook in cultivation.
4. Tribes of West India
West India, comprising the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa house sufficient section of Indian tribes. West Indian tribes have been pocketed in several far-away areas, living a life of their own. Tribals of Gujarat today have divided themselves into several places of dwelling by the sea, amidst the Western Ghats and the plains. Agriculture and harvesting seem to be Gujarat tribals' basic occupations since olden times. Tribes of Rajasthan have been involved with rest of the Rajasthani population since ancient times, with their unique customs and culture spreading each other day. The touch of modernization has wholly caught up with the tribes of this West Indian bunch, paving way for novel ways of occupation and popularity. Tribes of Maharashtra are primarily classified in the groups of nomadic tribes and scheduled tribes. West Indian tribes are truly elevated to escalading heights when Maharashtrian aboriginal men and women are concerned.