September 2025

Introduction Tribal communities in India have long lived in close connection with nature and practiced sustainable livelihoods based on agriculture, pastoralism, and forest resources. However, the advent of industrialisation and globalisation has significantly altered their way of life. While some positive outcomes exist, the overall impact has been marked by displacement, cultural erosion, and increased […]

Introduction The Naga secessionist movement is one of the oldest and most complex insurgencies in India. Originating before Indian independence in 1947, the movement involves demands by certain Naga groups for a separate sovereign state or greater autonomy. The movement has political, cultural, and historical roots and has undergone several phases—from peaceful advocacy to armed

Introduction Epistemology refers to the study of knowledge—how it is created, validated, and transmitted. Among tribal communities, knowledge systems are not based on formal education or scientific validation but are deeply rooted in their everyday lives, cultural practices, and interactions with nature. These alternative modes of knowledge creation are crucial for the survival, identity, and

Introduction The Bhuria Committee (1994) and the Bhuria Commission (2002) were two major policy initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to address the issues of tribal self-governance and development. Both were chaired by Shri Dileep Singh Bhuria, a prominent tribal leader and Member of Parliament. These bodies made critical recommendations regarding tribal governance, land

Introduction This answer covers two important topics relevant to India’s tribal and marginalized populations: (a) Indigenous populations and (b) De-notified communities. Both categories highlight social groups that have historically been excluded or exploited and are now the focus of welfare and human rights efforts. a. Indigenous Populations Definition Indigenous populations are communities that are native

Introduction The Gaddi and Toda are two prominent tribal communities in India, each with a unique cultural identity. The Gaddis reside in the Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh, while the Todas are found in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Despite the vast geographical separation, both tribes have rich traditions, belief systems, and social practices

Introduction Matrilineal societies are those in which lineage, inheritance, and succession are traced through the mother’s line rather than the father’s. In such societies, kinship rules, family organization, and marriage customs differ significantly from the more common patrilineal systems. India is home to a few notable matrilineal communities, such as the Khasi and Garo tribes

Introduction Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the most marginalized and disadvantaged among India’s Scheduled Tribes (STs). They were identified as a separate category to ensure focused development and welfare policies. PVTGs are characterized by low levels of literacy, pre-agricultural technology, stagnant or declining population, and economic backwardness. As of now, there are 75 such

Introduction The term “tribe” has been used historically to describe indigenous, autochthonous, and often isolated communities living in different regions of the world. In India, tribes represent a significant section of the population with distinct cultural, linguistic, and social identities. They are recognized under the Indian Constitution as Scheduled Tribes (STs) and are entitled to