Universal tribes of India

tribe is a social division in a traditional society consisting of families linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect. A tribe possesses certain qualities and characteristics that make it a unique cultural, social, and political entity.

The Constitution of India has recognized tribal communities in India under 'Schedule 5' of the constitution. Hence the tribes recognized by the Constitution are known as Scheduled Tribes'.           

There are around 645 distinct tribes in India.

Major Tribes in India: Arranged State-wise

Karnataka: Adiyan, Barda, Gond, Bhil, Iruliga, Koraga, Patelia, Yerava, Hasalaru, Koli Dhor, Marati, Meda,Gadabas, Gond, Goundu, Jatapus, Kammara, Kattunayakan, Kolawar, Kolam, Konda, Manna Dhora, Pardhan, Rona, Savaras, Dabba Yerukula, Nakkala, Dhulia, Thoti, Sugalis, Banjara, Kondareddis, Koya, Mukha Dhora, Valmiki, Yenadis, Sugalis, Lambadis.

Arunachal Pradesh: Apatanis, Abor, Dafla, Galong, Momba, Sherdukpen, Singpho, Nyishi, Mishmi, Idu, Taroan, Tagin, Adi, Monpa, Wancho

Assam: Chakma, Chutiya, Dimasa, Hajong, Garos, Khasis, Gangte, Karbi, Boro, Borokachari, Kachari, Sonwal, Miri, Rabha, Garo

Bihar: Asur, Baiga, Birhor, Birjia, Chero, Gond, Parhaiya, Santhals, Savar, Kharwar, Banjara, Oraon, Santal, Tharu

Chhattisgarh: Agariya, Bhaina, Bhattra

Goa: Dhodia, Dubia, Naikda, Siddi, Varli, Gawda.

Gujarat: Barda, Bamcha, Bhil, Charan, Dhodia, Gamta, Paradhi, Patelia, Dhanka, Dubla, Talavia, Halpati, Kokna, Naikda, Patelia, Rathawa, Siddi.

Himachal Pradesh: Gaddis, Gujjars, Khas, Lamba, Lahaulas, Pangwala, Swangla, Beta, Beda Bhot, Bodh.

Jammu and Kashmir: Bakarwal, Balti, Beda, Gaddi, Garra, Mon, Purigpa, Sippi, gpa, Gujjar.

Jharkhand: Birhors, Bhumij, Gonds, Kharia,

Mundas, Santhals, Savar, Bedia, Ho, Kharwar, Lohra, Mahli, Parhaiya, Santal, Kol, Banjara.

Karnataka: Adiyan, Barda, Gond, Bhil, Iruliga, Koraga, Patelia, Yerava, Hasalaru, Koli Dhor, Marati, Meda, Naikda, Soligaru.

Kerala: Adiyan, Arandan, Eravallan, Kurumbas, Malai arayan, Moplahs, Uralis, Irular, Kanikaran, Kattunayakan, Kurichchan, Muthuvan.

20 major tribes of India.

1) Bhils Tribe-

The Bhils are a tribe found mostly in the mountain ranges of Udaipur and in some districts of Rajasthan.

The Bhils are the largest tribes in India. 

2. Gonds Tribe-

Found in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh and in parts of Maharashtra, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, the Gonds are the second biggest tribe in India.

They are known for their valor and speak many Indian languages including the Dravidian Gondi language.

They have houses of mud walls and thatched roofs in the Gondi forests.

3. Munda Tribe-

This tribe is found in Jharkhand and parts of Chattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal.

Their life is simple and basic. They speak the Mundari language. The Mundas were hunters in the past but now are laborers in farms.

4.Santhal Tribes-

The Santhal tribes are a major tribe of West Bengal. They are also seen in parts of Bihar, Odisha, and Assam and are the largest tribe in Jharkhand.

They depend on agriculture and livestock for their living and are great hunters. In addition to traditional festivals like Karam and Sahrai, Santhali dance and music is a major attraction.

Khasi Tribe-

This tribe is mainly spotted on the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and in parts of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The tribe plays plenty of music and a wide range of musical instruments like drums, guitars, flutes, cymbals, etc.