Names & communities

Communities with populations spread across state/linguistic borders are often known by different names by local authorities while “some of these communities figure in various classifications in the states” according to the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: “There are many anomalies in terms of identification of these communities, from state to state. Many people also do not know what is denotified tribe and which authority is looking after their grievances. […] In some states they are called ‘tribal settlers’. In some states they are called ‘hidden tribes’ etc.” – Bibek Debroy in “An unfortunate legacy” (Indian Express, 5 January 2017)
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/crime-criminal-act-racial-discrimination-non-bailable-offence-criminal-tribes-act-an-unfortunate-legacy-4459258/
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=12284

On protecting one’s unique culture and tradition while gaining access to education and “modern civilization”: Dambaru Sisha, the first MLA from the reclusive Bonda community – Odisha

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Priya Ranjan Sahu, Hindustan Times  Bhubaneswar, May 23, 2014 The Bondas, one of India’s most primitive tribes living in the remote hills of Odisha’s Malkangiri district, turned a new leaf on Friday. Dambaru Sisha, 34, took the oath of office as the first MLA from the reclusive tribes that remained untouched by civilization for centuries. … Read more

“Different tribes are the original inhabitants of this district for millennia”: Govt. of India tourist promotion for India’s most densely forested districts – Maharashtra

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Chandrapur District Endowed with rich flora and fauna, water resources and mineral wealth, Chandrapur has been famous from ancient times as the capital of Gond dynasty. Anandavan at Varora is famous the world over due to social worker Baba Amte whose ashram rehabilitates leprosy victims. India’s largest thermal power plant, many coal mines, cement and … Read more

Members of Bhil and Bhilala tribal communities transcend boundaries between cultures and occupations: The art of ‘Adivasi Gudiya Hastashilp’ (doll making) – Gujarat & Rajasthan

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Written by Swasti Pachauri , Edited by Parmita Uniyal | Madhya Pradesh | Posted: June 4, 2014 2:12 pm | Read the full story and view more images in large size here >> Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh is defined by its mountainous terrain, scattered village settlements, patches of maize crop and the indigenous tribes that … Read more

Fashion, accessory and jewellery designers are bringing tribal Indian techniques to the mainstream: “Tribal India was never cooler”

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How the textiles and techniques of our native people are entering mainstream fashion and global ramps. Tribal India was never cooler. While a small bunch of revivalist desi designers are modernising rural textiles from the subcontinent, international labels and celebrities can’t get enough of our heritage weaves and patterns. Whether through Ikat printed pants on … Read more

Video | “Walking is a form of dancing, and speech, a song”: An appeal by a Video Volunteer to include Adivasis’ rich heritage in holiday camps – Jharkhand

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To view this video on YouTube and learn more about Priyasheela’s appeal, click here >> For the Adivasis of Jharkhand, culture is their last bastion of hope. […] Community Correspondent Priyasheela is an Adivasi living in Ranchi. Priya, a mother of two, considers one of the biggest challenges while bringing up her kids, the task of ensuring that they have … Read more