Indigenous tribes in India: who they are and why they matter

Over 100 million Indians belong to indigenous tribes, often called Adivasi or Scheduled Tribes. That’s a big chunk of the population, yet most people know little about their lives. These communities live across forests, hills and islands, keep unique languages and skills, and protect large tracts of biodiverse land. If you care about culture, justice or the environment, paying attention to indigenous tribes matters.

Who are the indigenous tribes and what do they face?

Indigenous tribes in India include groups such as the Gond, Santhal, Bhil, Munda, Naga and Khasi, but there are hundreds more with distinct traditions. Legally many are recognised as Scheduled Tribes, which gives them specific protections. Still, they face common threats: land loss to mining and dams, forced displacement, shrinking forests, poor healthcare and schools that ignore local languages. When land goes, food systems and culture often follow.

Several laws aim to protect tribal rights. The Forest Rights Act (2006) recognises community and individual rights over forests they have used for generations. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA (1996), gives local self-rule powers in tribal areas. Trouble is, these laws often sit on paper or face slow implementation. That gap causes conflict—villagers resisting projects, courts taking years, and livelihoods suffering in the meantime.

What you can do — practical ways to help

Want to make a difference? Start small and specific. Buy crafts and produce directly from tribal artisans and cooperatives rather than mass imports. Choose ethical tourism that hires local guides, respects customs and returns money to the community. Support local NGOs working on land rights, education in native languages, and basic healthcare—these groups often know where help actually works.

If you are a voter or activist, demand real enforcement of laws like FRA and PESA and ask elected leaders to publish progress reports on projects in tribal areas. For businesses and developers, include Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before any land use change. For students and teachers, include local histories and languages in school projects to keep knowledge alive.

Indigenous tribes are not relics; they are living communities with rights and ideas that matter for India’s future. Protecting their land and culture often means better forests, stronger food systems and more resilient local economies. Ask questions, buy responsibly, and back policies that empower communities to make their own choices. That’s how you help without taking over.