India is home to many tribal communities with unique cultures, traditions and languages. These tribes have lived in different parts of the country for centuries, preserving their customs and way of life. The Indian Constitution recognizes Scheduled Tribes (STs) to protect their rights and ensure their development. In this article, we will go through the state-wise list of some major tribes in India.
Tribes in India
India is home to more than 700 tribes, each tribe with its own unique culture, language and traditions. These tribes have been an important part of India’s history and continue to play a vital role in shaping its rich heritage. Tribes are communities of people who share a common ancestor, live together in groups, and follow their own customs. They often have their own rules, traditions and ways of life.
According to 2011 Census of India, there are 705 officially recognized Scheduled Tribes, making up 8.6% of the country’s total population. These tribes are spread across different states and Union Territories.
Major Tribes of India
- Bhil Tribe: The Bhil tribe is the largest tribe in India, with a population of over 10 million. They lived mainly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Bhils are famous for their folklore, traditional art and hunting skills.
- Gond Tribe: The Gond Tribe is the second largest tribe, with a populated of over 9 million. They mainly live in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The Gonds are known for their colorful artwork, music and agriculture.
- Santhal Tribe: The Santhal Tribe is mainly found in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. They are known for their dance, music and farming traditions.
- Munda Tribe: The Munda Tribe lives in Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. They are known for their weaving, dance and farming skills.
States with the Largest Tribe Population
Some Indian States have a large number of tribal people. The top-5 states with the highest tribal population are:
- Madhya Pradesh – 15.3%
- Maharashtra – 10.1%
- Odisha – 9.1%
- Chhattisgarh – 8.6%
- Jharkhand – 8.3%
State-wise List of Tribes in India
India has many tribes living in different states, each with unique cultures and traditions. This list shows major tribes found in different states, highlighting their diversity and rich heritage across the country.
Here is the state-wise list of tribes in India:
| State/ UT | Tribes |
| Andhra Pradesh | Andh, Sadhu Andh, Bhagata, Bhil, Chenchus, 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, Chero, Gond, Parhaiya, Santhals, Savar, Kharwar, Banjara, Oraon, Santal, Tharu |
| Chhattisgarh | Agariya, Bhaina, Bhattra, Biar, Khond, Mawasi, Nagasai, Gond, Binjhwar, Halba, Halbi, Kawar, Sawar |
| 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, Changpa, 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 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Baigas, Bhils, Bharia, Birhors, Gonds, Katkari, Kharia, Khond, Kol, Murias, Korku, Mawasi, Pardhan, Sahariya |
| Maharashtra | Bhaina, Bhunjia, Dhodia, Katkari, Khond, Rathawa, Warlis, Dhanka, Halba, Kathodi, Kokna, Koli, Mahadev, Pardhi, Thakur |
| Manipur | Naga, Kuki, Meitei, Aimol, Angami, Chiru, Maram, Monsang, Paite, Purum, Thadou, Anal, Mao, Tangkhul, Thadou, Poumai Naga |
| Meghalaya | Chakma, Dimasa, Khasi, Kuki, Lakher, Pawai, Raba, Mikir |
| Mizoram | Chamka, Dimasa, Khasi, Kuki, Lakher, Pawi, Raba, Synteng, Lushai |
| Nagaland | Angami, Garo, Kachari, Kuki, Mikir, Nagas, Sema, Ao, Chakhesang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam |
| Odisha | Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Santhals, Bathudi, Bathuri, Bhottada, Bhumij, Gond, Juang, Kisan, Kolha, Kora, Khayara, Koya, Munda, Paroja, Saora, Shabar, Lodha |
| Rajasthan | Bhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas (Minas), Patelia, Sahariya, Naikda, Nayaka, Kathodi |
| Sikkim | Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas, Limboo, Tamang |
| Tamil Nadu | Adiyan, Aranadan, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas, Kurumans, Malayali |
| Telangana | Chenchus |
| Tripura | Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte, Mag, Munda, Riang |
| Uttarakhand | Bhotias, Buksa, Jaunsari, Khas, Raji, Tharu |
| Uttar Pradesh | Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu, Gond, Kharwar, Saharya, Parahiya, Baiga, Agariya, Chero |
| West Bengal | Asur, Khond, Hajong, Ho, Parhaiya, Rabha, Santhals, Savar, Bhumij, Bhutia, Chik Baraik, Kisan, Kora, Lodha, Kheria, Khariam, Mahali, Mal Pahariya, Oraon |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Oraons, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens |
Which City of France is Known as the Cit...
What is the National Sport of Canada?
Who is Known as the Queen of the Pop? Kn...
