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 Lambani: A pan-Indian tribal community of many names and “known for its colourful dress” – Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Orissa & West Bengal

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LAMBANIS: ORIGIN AND SOCIO CULTURAL PROFILEBy Dr. K. Ramalingareddy ORIGIN OF LAMBANIS India is a land of castes and tribes. According to an estimate there arc about 427 tribal groups in the Country (Roy Burman, 1971:2). The Anthropological Survey (1967) has estimated the number at 314 considering a number of tribes to be the constituents … Read more

Children’s books on the Irulas – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu

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Source: “Review: Three new children’s books on the Irulas” by Neha Kirpal (who writes primarily on books, music, films, theatre and travel), Hindustani Times, 19 July 2024URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/review-three-new-children-s-books-on-the-irulas-101721397538195.htmlDate Visited: 10 March 2026 “Our dream is to ensure that every child in India is equipped with access to quality education, and we believe stories can make … Read more

Irula communities: Spread over the three southern States with a language marked by unique features – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Kerala

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3.10. Cultural Forms of the Irula People The life cycle rituals of the Irulas are markedly different from that of the other Hindu or Christian communities. They perform the life cycle ceremonies with the help of their women by well-established cultural patterns and do not depend on outside intervention to keep itself going. They celebrate … Read more

Practices admired by scientists worldwide, so “Leave the conservation to us”: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) observes World Bee Day on May 20 – Karnataka

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Source: “Adivasi honey harvesters demand forest control and criticise ‘unfriendly’ conservation measures”URL: https://india.mongabay.com/2022/11/adivasi-honey-harvesters-demand-forest-control-and-criticise-unfriendly-conservation-measures/Date Visited: 25 December 2022

Need for change of attitudes towards tribal people in India – Andaman

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Until there is a widespread change of attitudes towards tribal people in India, where they are still often viewed as ‘primitive’ and ‘backward’, tribes such as the Jarawa will never receive the respect they deserve. The Jarawa’s land and resources must be protected so they are safe from exploitation. It is only when they are … Read more