A List of Tribes in India:- India, known for its incredible cultural heritage and diversity, is home to numerous indigenous communities and tribes. These tribes, with their distinct languages, customs, and traditions, contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Indian society. In this article, we delve into a comprehensive list of tribes in India, showcasing their unique identities and highlighting their significant presence in the country.
A List of Tribes in India:-
Table of Contents
- Gond Tribe: The Gond tribe, one of the largest tribes in India, primarily inhabits the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. They are known for their exceptional artistic skills, particularly in the field of painting. The Gonds have a rich mythology and celebrate various festivals, such as Bhagoria and Gond Utsav.
- Santhal Tribe: Predominantly found in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar, the Santhal tribe has a rich cultural heritage. They are known for their vibrant music and dance forms, such as the Santhali dance and music, which often depict their agrarian lifestyle. The Santhals have their own language, script, and traditional governance system.
- Bhil Tribe: Spread across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the Bhil tribe is one of the largest indigenous communities in India. Primarily engaged in agriculture, hunting, and gathering, the Bhils have a deep connection with nature. They have a unique art form called Pithora, which involves vibrant wall paintings depicting their myths and legends.
- Nagas: The Naga tribes are situated in the northeastern part of India, primarily in Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Comprising several sub-tribes, the Nagas are known for their distinct attire, colorful festivals, and warrior traditions. Each Naga tribe has its own dialect and social customs, contributing to the region’s rich cultural mosaic.
- Bodo Tribe: The Bodo tribe predominantly resides in the state of Assam. They have a diverse cultural heritage and are known for their traditional dance form called Bagurumba, which showcases their agricultural practices and reverence for nature. The Bodo language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family and has its unique script.
- Jarawa Tribe: The Jarawas are one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands, primarily inhabiting the dense forests. Known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, the Jarawas have faced challenges due to contact with the outside world. Efforts are being made to protect their unique culture, language, and traditional practices.
- Sentinelese Tribe: Another tribe residing in the Andaman Islands, the Sentinelese are known for their isolation and resistance to outside contact. They are considered one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes, preserving their ancient way of life. The Sentinelese fiercely guard their territory and maintain their self-sufficiency through hunting and gathering.
Tribes and Its States (List of Tribes in India):-
| Tribe | States |
|---|---|
| Gond | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh |
| Santhal | Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar |
| Bhil | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra |
| Nagas | Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Bodo | Assam |
| Jarawa | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Sentinelese | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Munda | Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha |
| Ho | Jharkhand, West Bengal |
| Khasi | Meghalaya |
| Garo | Meghalaya, Assam |
| Oraon | Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha |
| Kuki | Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam |
| Santal | Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar |
| Mizo | Mizoram |
| Koya | Telangana, Andhra Pradesh |
| Warli | Maharashtra |
| Bhutia | Sikkim |
| Lepcha | Sikkim |
| Rabha | Assam, Meghalaya |
| Karbi | Assam, Meghalaya |
| Bhumij | Jharkhand |
| Chenchu | Andhra Pradesh |
| Kurumba | Tamil Nadu |
| Kuki Chin | Mizoram, Manipur |
| Kukna | Gujarat |
| Tharu | Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal |
| Kol | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh |
| Bhuiya | Odisha |
| Toda | Tamil Nadu |
| Irula | Tamil Nadu |
| Adi | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Nyishi | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Khasi-Pnar | Meghalaya |
| Angami | Nagaland |
| Meitei | Manipur |
| Ao | Nagaland |
| Tangkhul | Manipur, Nagaland |
| Sema | Nagaland |
| Rengma | Nagaland |
| Konyak | Nagaland |
| Sumi | Nagaland |
| Lotha | Nagaland |
| Dimasa | Assam |
| Karbi | Assam |
| Kachari | Assam |
| Hajong | Assam, Meghalaya |
| Mishing | Assam |
| Mishmi | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Nocte | Arunachal Pradesh |
Customs and Traditions followed by tribes:-
Here’s a table showcasing some of the prominent tribes in India, along with their costumes and traditions:
| Tribe | Costumes | Traditions |
|---|---|---|
| Gond | Colorful attire, headgear, and jewelry | Gondi language, Bhagoria festival, Gond Utsav |
| Santhal | Traditional dhoti, turban, and jewelry | Santhali dance and music, Chhau dance, Sohrai and Karam festivals |
| Bhil | Traditional attire with unique patterns | Pithora art, Bhagoria festival, Gavri dance |
| Nagas | Intricate traditional shawls and accessories | Hornbill Festival, Warrior traditions, Morungs |
| Bodo | Dokhona (wraparound dress) and traditional jewelry | Bagurumba dance, Bwisagu festival, Dokhona weaving |
| Jarawa | Minimal clothing due to isolated lifestyle | Hunter-gatherer traditions, preservation of ancient lifestyle |
| Sentinelese | Minimal clothing due to isolated lifestyle | Isolation from outside world, traditional hunting and gathering |
| Munda | Colorful traditional attire with headgear | Karma dance, Mundari language, Seraikela Chhau dance |
| Ho | Traditional dhoti, scarf, and ornaments | Sarhul festival, Sohrai festival, Folk songs and dances |
| Khasi | Jymphong (traditional attire) and shawl | Nongkrem Dance, Nongkrem Festival, Matrilineal social structure |
| Garo | Dakmanda (traditional dress) and ornaments | Wangala festival, Traditional songs and dances |
| Oraon | Traditional dhoti, kurta, and headgear | Karma dance, Sarhul festival, Folk music and dance |
| Kuki | Traditional colorful attire with ornaments | Chavang Kut festival, Tengbang dance, Folk songs |
| Santal | Traditional dhoti and scarf | Santali music, Chadar Badar dance, Sohrai festival |
| Mizo | Puan (traditional attire) and shawl | Cheraw dance, Chapchar Kut festival, Traditional games |
| Koya | Traditional clothing made of cotton | Koya language, Bison-horn dance, Gussadi dance |
| Warli | Simple attire with unique geometric patterns | Warli art, Tarpa dance, Traditional folk songs |
Previous Year Questions Asked by UPSC in NDA CDS exam related to List of Tribes in India:-
Here are a few previous year questions related to tribes of India that have been asked in the NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams:
Which tribe is associated with the traditional dance form called “Bagurumba
Bodo tribe.
The Gond tribe, known for their exceptional artistic skills, is primarily found in which states of India?
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
The Santhal tribe, known for their vibrant music and dance forms, primarily inhabits which states of India?
Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar.
Which tribe is associated with the traditional art form called “Pithora”?
Bhil tribe.
The Nagas, a prominent tribe in northeastern India, are primarily found in which states?
Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Jarawa tribe, known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, primarily resides in which Indian islands?
Andaman Islands.
Which tribe is considered one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes and fiercely guards their territory?
Sentinelese tribe.
The Khasi and Garo tribes are prominent in which state of India?
Meghalaya.
Which tribe is associated with the traditional dance form called “Bihu”?
Assamese tribes, including Bodo, Karbi, and Dimasa.
The Santal Rebellion, a significant tribal uprising, took place in which year?
The Santal Rebellion occurred in 1855-1856.
Which tribe is associated with the annual Hornbill Festival, a major cultural event in Nagaland?
Nagas.
The Great Andamanese tribes, including the Jarawa and Sentinelese, are found in which island group?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Durga Puja festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by which tribe in West Bengal?
Santhal tribe.
Which tribe is known for their traditional handloom weaving and exquisite fabrics called “Puan”?
Mizo tribe.
The Irula tribe is primarily found in which southern state of India?
Tamil Nadu.
