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

The Santal Rebellion of 1855–56: Tribesmen driven to despair by encroachment of outsiders and the misery caused by an iniquitous system – Colonial history

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von Fürer-Haimendorf, Christoph. Tribes of India: The Struggle for Survival. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1982, pp. 36-37: Rebellions of aboriginal tribesmen against the authority of the government are among the most tragic conflicts between ruler and ruled. Whatever course the clash may take, it is always a hopeless struggle of the weak against the strong, … Read more

Peaceful coexistence with elephants: Avoiding human-animal conflict as part of tribal culture – Tamil Nadu

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Shruti Agarwal, Gudalur, 30 September 2013 A Bettakurumba man watches a herd of elephants at close quarters | Read the full blog and view more photos here >> Coexisting with elephants would seem unthinkable and impossible to most of us. Yet adivasis in Gudalur have done so for generations and continue to do so. They share their home, the … Read more

Tip | Educational resources and information on indigenous customs: Wiki Resource for Indian Biodiversity

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Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus) – the National Flower of India. Find out more national and state symbols of India here >> We strongly believe that knowledge is the first step towards any kind of change. Thus, we created this Biodiversity Of India website. The BOI website, part of the Project Brahma Initiative, is an open-source, community driven project, much like Wikipedia, where anyone … Read more

Enrolling Irula and Narikurava children in Sarva Siksha Abiyan (government) schools: Parents realize the importance of education – Tamil Nadu

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R. Arivanantham, The Hindu, Krishnagiri, January 5, 2011 The Sarva Siksha Abiyan (SSA) has been taking all efforts to improve the standard of education of the less privileged Narikuravas and Irulas in the district. Among the 10 blocks in the district, non-enrolment these people in schools is predominant in Thaly, Kelamangalam, Shoolagiri, Hosur and Uthangarai adjoining … Read more

Forest Department recruitment drive among forest-dwelling tribes: Protecting inhospitable forest terrain – Kerala

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State to conduct special recruitment drive Chinnappa Raja, chief of the Muduvan tribe in the Malakkapara forest areas of Thrissur district, is elated at the decision of the Forest Department to recruit 700 tribal people as forest watchers. — Photo: C. Suresh Kumar The State government has cleared a Forest Department proposal to create 700 … Read more