The tribal people in India are around 8.6% of the total population. It is an important topic for aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam.
According to Article 366(25) of the Constitution, Scheduled Tribes are those communities that are scheduled in accordance with Article 342 of the Constitution. Also, Article 342 of the Constitution says that: The Scheduled Tribes are the tribes or tribal communities or part of or groups within these tribes and tribal communities which have been declared as such by the President through a public notification.
Among the tribal groups, several have adapted to modern life but there are tribal groups who are more vulnerable. The Dhebar Commission (1973) created a separate category “Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)” which was renamed in 2006 as “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)”.
Preparing for the UPSC Prelims 2024 demands a comprehensive understanding of India’s diverse cultural heritage, and a crucial aspect lies in comprehending the essence of its indigenous tribes. Embarking on this journey, we’ve curated an indispensable list of significant tribes essential for your UPSC Prelims 2024 preparation. Understanding the intricate fabric of these communities is not merely about historical knowledge; it’s about appreciating their socio-cultural significance and their impact on the country’s narrative.
In this meticulously curated compilation, aspiring civil servants will unravel the stories behind prominent tribes across various regions of India. Each tribe encapsulates a unique tapestry of traditions, languages, art forms, and societal structures that contribute significantly to the nation’s rich mosaic. With ‘UPSC Prelims 2024’ as our guiding keyword, this resource aims to equip UPSC aspirants with a concise yet comprehensive overview of these tribes, aiding in a more holistic approach to cracking the exam and fostering a deeper understanding of India’s indigenous heritage.
List of Important Tribes for Prelims
- Meity Community
- Why in News: Opposition to the inclusion of the Meitei Community in the List of State’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Manipur holds significant social and political implications.
- Kuki Tribe
- Why in News: The warning issued by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) representing Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur about establishing a self-government emphasizes the urgency of their demand for a separate administration.
- Sarna Community
- Why in News: Advocating for the recognition of ‘Sarna’ as a distinct religion for indigenous people in the upcoming census signifies a push for cultural identity and representation.
- Darlong Tribe
- Why in News: The Parliament’s approval of incorporating Darlongs as a Kuki sub-tribal community in Tripura’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) list signifies a legislative acknowledgment of their status.
- Siddi Tribe
- Why in News: The recognition through the Padma Shri award for Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi’s efforts towards Siddi tribal community development highlights acknowledgment and support for their upliftment.
- Bru Community
- Why in News: The decision of 14,000 Bru refugees resettled in Tripura to abstain from participating in the forthcoming Mizoram Assembly polls points to ongoing resettlement challenges and political dynamics.
- Hakki Pikki
- Why in News: The situation of Hakki Pikki members stranded in Sudan raises concerns but might not hold immediate national-level significance compared to other developments.
- Gutti Koya
- Why in News: While unique, the Gutti Koya tribe’s tradition of constructing stone memorials might have relatively limited broader impact compared to other recent tribal news.
- Chakma, Hajong
- Why in News: The effort to resolve the long-standing issue of rehabilitating Chakma and Hajong refugees by Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, while important, currently holds lesser national visibility compared to other developments.
In conclusion, the diverse tapestry of Indian tribes is intertwined with rich traditions, cultural nuances, and evolving socio-political landscapes. The recent events surrounding several tribal communities across the country underline the need for recognition, identity preservation, and equitable representation.
As we delve into the significance of the Meity Community’s opposition to inclusion and the Kuki Tribe’s assertion for self-government, it’s evident that these developments hold substantial implications for the socio-political fabric of the regions they inhabit. Advocating for ‘Sarna’ recognition as a distinct religion and the legislative recognition of Darlongs signify significant strides towards cultural acknowledgment and identity.
Additionally, while celebrating the Padma Shri acknowledgment for Siddi tribe’s dedicated efforts, addressing the challenges faced by communities like Bru refugees and Chakma-Hajong resettlement remains crucial for holistic societal development.
As the spotlight illuminates these diverse tribal narratives, it underscores the urgency for inclusive policies, cultural preservation, and socio-economic upliftment, ensuring that India’s tribal communities find their rightful place in the nation’s social and political discourse.