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Tribes in India are estimated to be around 104 million people, which is about 8.6% of the country's total population. Learn more about scheduled tribes in India here.
Tribes in India: India is the second largest tribal population country in the world. Each community has its unique cultural heritage, traditions, and languages. These tribes, collectively known as Scheduled Tribes (STs), constitute approximately 8.6% of the nation’s population, according to the 2011 Census. The Indian Constitution recognizes these communities, granting them special status to preserve their distinct identities and promote their socio-economic development.
The term ‘Scheduled Tribes’ refers to specific indigenous communities identified in the Indian Constitution under Article 342. This designation aims to protect and promote the interests of these groups, acknowledging their unique cultural and historical contexts. The Constitution empowers the President to specify, through public notification, the tribes or tribal communities deemed as Scheduled Tribes in various states and Union Territories. This recognition ensures that these communities receive affirmative action benefits, including reservations in education, employment, and political representation, to address historical disadvantages and promote inclusive development.
A tribe comprises indigenous people with shared customs, language, and livelihood, usually living in geographically isolated regions. Tribes maintain distinct cultural and social identities. The Constitution of India, under Article 342, defines Schedule tribes and grants them specific rights and protections.
India’s tribal population is incredibly diverse, with approximately 705 ethnic groups officially recognized nationwide. India’s tribal population is spread across several states. The largest concentration of these tribes is found in states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, each hosting numerous tribal communities with unique identities. Here is a state-wise list of major tribes in India.
| State | Major Tribes |
| Madhya Pradesh | Gonds, Bhils, Baigas, Saharias |
| Odisha | Santhals, Bondas, Bhuyans, Juangs |
| Rajasthan | Bhils, Garasias, Meenas |
| Gujarat | Bhils, Rathwas, Naikdas, Siddis |
| Chhattisgarh | Gonds, Baigas, Halbas, Abujh Marias |
| Jharkhand | Santhals, Mundas, Oraons, Asurs |
| Maharashtra | Gonds, Katkaris, Warlis, Thakurs |
| Andhra Pradesh | Chenchus, Konda Reddis, Savaras |
| Tamil Nadu | Todas, Kotas, Irulas |
| Nagaland | Angamis, Aos, Chakesangs |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Apatanis, Adis, Galos, Khamtis |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Sentinalese |
| Kerala | Kadar, Kurichiyas, Koragas, Irulas |
State-wise Distribution of Tribal Population based on the 2011 Census data. The tribal population in India varies significantly across states and Union Territories, with some regions having a high concentration of Scheduled Tribes (STs), while others have a minimal representation. Check out the complete State-wise distribution of tribal population in India:
State-wise Distribution of Tribal Population in India |
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| State | Tribal Population | Percentage of Tribal Population |
| India (Total) | 104,282 | 8.61% |
| Andhra Pradesh | 5,918 | 7% |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 962 | 68.79% |
| Assam | 3,884 | 12.45% |
| Bihar | 1,337 | 1.28% |
| Chhattisgarh | 7,823 | 30.62% |
| Goa | 149 | 10.21% |
| Gujarat | 8,917 | 14.76% |
| Haryana | — | — |
| Himachal Pradesh | 392 | 5.71% |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 1,493 | 11.9% |
| Jharkhand | 8,645 | 26.21% |
| Karnataka | 4,249 | 6.95% |
| Kerala | 484 | 1.45% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 15,317 | 21.09% |
| Maharashtra | 10,510 | 9.35% |
| Manipur | 903 | 35.14% |
| Meghalaya | 2,556 | 86.15% |
| Mizoram | 1,036 | 94.44% |
| Nagaland | 1,711 | 86.46% |
| Odisha | 9,591 | 22.85% |
| Punjab | — | — |
| Rajasthan | 9,239 | 13.48% |
| Sikkim | 206 | 33.72% |
| Tamil Nadu | 795 | 1.1% |
| Tripura | 1,167 | 31.76% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,134 | 0.57% |
| Uttarakhand | 292 | 2.9% |
| West Bengal | 5,297 | 5.8% |
| Union Territory | ||
| Delhi | — | — |
| Andaman & Nicobar | 29 | 7.61% |
| Chandigarh | — | — |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 179 | 52.03% |
| Daman and Diu | 15 | 6.17% |
| Lakshadweep | 61 | 95.31% |
| Puducherry | — | — |
Among the numerous tribes, several stand out due to their significant populations and cultural impact:
India’s tribal history is marked by several ancient tribes that have significantly influenced the country’s cultural and social landscape:
Despite their rich cultural heritage, tribal communities in India face several challenges:
The Government of India has launched several welfare schemes to improve the socio-economic condition of tribal communities. To support tribal communities, the government has set up a ministry and a constitutional body:
Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA):
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is a central government body in India. It is responsible for the overall development and welfare of the tribal population. Established in 1999, its primary focus is on formulating policies, programs, and schemes to promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs). The ministry works to protect tribal rights, ensure access to education, healthcare, and livelihood support, and preserve the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST):
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution. Its primary role is to protect the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. The NCST advises the government on policy matters affecting STs, investigates complaints of violations of their rights, and monitors the implementation of various welfare schemes and laws meant for their upliftment. It acts as a watchdog to safeguard tribal communities from exploitation and discrimination.
Here are some of the initiatives taken by the Government for Tribal Welfare:
Tribes in India (UPSC Perspective):
Tribes in India are an essential topic for UPSC exams, especially in Prelims (under Indian Polity, Society, and Geography) and Mains (GS-I and GS-II). Questions can be asked on constitutional provisions (like Articles 244, 275, and 338A), tribal welfare schemes, PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups), socio-economic issues, and the role of MoTA and NCST. Previous years’ given below questions were asked from Tribes in India UPSC exam:
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