India has the most diversified population of native peoples worldwide
“According to the official Census held in 2001, Adivasis [indigenous peoples] constitute 8 per cent of the nation’s total population, over 84 million people. Unofficial figures vary significantly but represent a much higher proportion of India’s population.” (unhcr.org)
~~~
The right of tribal communities to maintain their cultural heritage was enshrined in the constitution when India became “the world’s largest democracy”. In the words of historian Romila Thapar, “Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Dalits and Adivasis are all equal citizens. All citizens have the right to debate and discuss their duties towards the state and also the obligations of the state to ensure that the claims to human rights of all citizens are met by the state to an equal degree.” (The Hindu, 2 March 2016)
~~~
India consistently favoured the promotion and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights including their right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as means and ways for financing their autonomous functions. – Diplomat Ajai Malhotra quoted by the United Nations Department of Public Information on the “Vote on Indigenous Rights Declaration” (143 with countries voting in favour and 4 against)
~~~
Historian J.J. Burman points out that “the term ‘indigenous peoples’ itself appears to be contentious in the Indian context as there are many claimants to it”.
~~~
“About 25 crore [250 million] people live off the forests, we cannot keep them out [because] the adivasi is not the enemy of the forests.” – Former Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh (2011)
~~~
“Two main streams within Indian anthropology – assimilationist and isolationist positions or policies – influenced the literary and visual representations of tribes by mainstream writers, artists and film-makers.”– Santali scholar and poet Ivy Imogene Hansdak
For detailed references and more refer to: https://archive.org/details/tribal-cultural-heritage-india-background-guide
Tips: ways of viewing, downloading and listening