Bhils: The Largest Tribe in India & Much More About Indian Tribes

Exploring the Largest Tribe in India

A tribe refers to individuals who live and work together in a particular shared geographical area. The tribe often has a common culture, dialect, and religion. They live in a tribal area where the tribe is usually headed by a leader called the chief. They are a part of the larger tribal society, a group of tribes organized around kinships. India has the world’s second-largest tribe population. These tribal people make up around 8.9% of the population, as mentioned in the Census 2011.

705 ethnic groups of tribal communities in India are officially recognized as “Scheduled Tribes“. The Scheduled Tribes are usually called Adivasis in Central India, meaning Indigenous People. Tribal people are in almost every region of the Indian subcontinent. However, the area and influence of the Indian tribes are different at times.

The Bhils comprise the largest tribe in India and are among the oldest communities. The tribal community also ruled parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, and Malwa. This largest tribe in India is a cross-section of the great Munda race in India. Bhils recognize themselves as one of the Dravidian racial tribes of Western India. This tribal community belongs to the Australoid group of tribes.

Moreover, their language is of Dravidian origin. The people from the Bhil tribe are Hindus by religion. They appease evil spirits and deities of the forest. A few others offer pujas to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. A small percentage of people, among them, also follow Christianity.

What is Bhil Art?

Bhil Art refers to the traditional art form of the Bhil tribe, one of the largest indigenous communities in India. This art is primarily practiced by the Bhils, who are spread across several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Bhil art is deeply connected to the community’s cultural expressions, rituals, and daily life, reflecting their natural surroundings, spiritual beliefs, and history. 

Key Features of Bhil Art: 

1. Distinctive Style: 

• Bhil paintings are known for their bold, vibrant colors and geometric patterns. They often feature motifs derived from nature, including animals, birds, trees, and human figures. 

2. Mediums and Techniques: 

• Traditionally, Bhil art was done on walls of homes, cloth, or paper. It was often created using natural pigments from plants, earth, and minerals. 

3. Common Themes: 

• Nature and Wildlife: Bhil art frequently depicts the forest, animals (like tigers, elephants, and birds), and the connection between humans and nature. 

• Mythology and Folklore: Bhil paintings often narrate tales from Bhil mythology, local folklore, and the tribal community’s ancestral stories. These paintings are sometimes used to depict historical events or tribal deities. 

4. Evolution and Modern Recognition: 

• Over time, Bhil art has evolved from a traditional, folk style to being recognized in the mainstream art world. Artists like Bhuri Bai have brought the art to the attention of global audiences. 

5. Cultural Significance: 

• Bhil art is not just a form of decoration but serves as an expression of the tribal identity. It is an integral part of Bhil cultural life, communicating their worldview, religious beliefs, and connection to the land and animals. 

Five Major Belts of Tribal Languages

You can easily divide the different dialects prevalent in India into five major language families. These tribal community languages start from the first civilizations of Indo-Aryan, Andamanese, Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic. However, it is best to look at the regions where the tribal population inhabits for a better understanding of the tribal region segregation. Therefore, a glance at the Indian map will divide the country into five major belts, as mentioned below.

The Himalayan Belt

This particular region consists of states nicknamed seven sisters, along with Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The seven North Eastern States that include Indian tribes are as follows:

• Assam
• Meghalaya
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Nagaland
• Manipur
• Mizoram
• Tripura

The Tibeto-Burman speakers are mostly confined along the Himalayan belt in India. These types of tribes are contiguous with the international boundaries. The tribal groups speaking the Tibeto-Burman languages come from the Mongoloid stock who inhabit the North East region of India.

Central Indian Belt

This belt is home to almost half of India’s population. Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh are the states that fall under this belt category. Some important Dravidian languages in Central India are Kurukh, spoken by the Oraon; Kui, spoken by the Kondh of Orissa; and Malto, spoken by tribes of Rajmahal hills.

Western Indian Belt

The western Indian belt includes the following states:

• Rajasthan
• Maharashtra
• Goa
• Gujarat
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Santhali, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Indo-European, and Sora are some of the languages spoken in this region. This Indian belt also includes the Gonds, the largest tribe in India.

The Dravidian Belt

The Dravidian belt is mostly the South Indian region, which includes

• Kerala
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh

The main languages are Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu spoken in this belt. Out of them, Tamil is the oldest and the first Dravidian language. For the unversed, the Dravidian language category is the second-largest language family in the country, with around 277 million speakers.

The Islands

It includes India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands. The native Andamanese people who are tribals speak languages like Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, English, and Bengali. These are different from the Nicobari languages, like the Shompen and Moh-Khmer languages. Very few of them speak the Jero language. It is one of the last remaining indigenous languages in the islands. There are different types of tribes residing in Lakshadweep who speak Malayalam and Mahi (old Sinhalese) language.

Tribal Communities in India by States

Article 342 of the Indian constitution lists the tribal communities in India based on the states and union territories. According to Article 342, these Scheduled Tribes are the tribal communities declared as such by the President through any public notification. The following table represents the tribal communities in India by state.

Tribal Languages in India	Tribal Communities	State Name
Baigani	Indo-Aryan Family	Chattisgarh
Bhili		Gujarat, Rajasthan
Chakma		West Bengal, Assam
Dhanki		Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
Dhundhari		Rajasthan
Garasia		Gujarat, Rajasthan
Gujjari		Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Delhi
Hajong		Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
Harauti		Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
Halbi		Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh
Jaunsari		Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh
Khotta		West Bengal
Kokni		Gujarat, Rajasthan
Kotwalia		Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
Thar		Rajasthan
Lamani		Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal
Magahi		Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
Mavchi		Gujarat, Maharashtra
Nimari		Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra
Rathi		Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Tharu		Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal
Wagri		Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh
Warli		Maharashtra, Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli
AdiAshing	Tibeto-Burman Family	Arunachal Pradesh
Apatani		Arunachal Pradesh
Ao		Nagaland
Balti		Kashmir
Dafla		Arunachal Pradesh
Bodo		Assam
Bhotia		Uttarakhand
Chiru		Manipur, Nagaland
Deori		Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
Duhlian-Tawng		Mizoram
Gangte		Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam
Hmar		Mizoram, Manipur, Assam
Hualngo		Mizoram
Koireng		Manipur
Konyak		Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
Lahauli		Himachal Pradesh
Mara		Mizoram
Lushai		Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland
Mishing		Assam
Monpa		Arunachal Pradesh
Naga		Nagaland
Sherdukpen		Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
Paite		Manipur
Rengma		Nagaland
Sajalong		Arunachal Pradesh
Singpho		Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
Tagin		Assam
Vaiphei		Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura
Wancho		Nagaland
Zakhring		Arunachal Pradesh
Zou		Manipur
Dhurwa	Dravidian Family	Chattisgarh
Gondi		Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh
Koraga		Karnataka, Kerala
Kodagu		Karnataka
Kolami		Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra
Koya		Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
Kui		Odisha
Kuvi		Odisha
Kurukh		Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
Maria		Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh
Naiki		Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra
Parji		Madhya Pradesh
Pengo		Odisha
Tulu		Karnataka, Kerala
Yerukula		Andhra Pradesh
Asuri	Austro-Asiatic Family	Jharkhand
Bondo		Odisha
Juang		Odisha
Ho		Jharkhand, Odisha
Kharia		Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Tripura
Korku		Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Kurmi		Maharashtra
Korwa		Chhattisgarh
Lodha		West Bengal, Odisha
Mundari		Jharkhand
Nicobarese		Nicobar Islands
Savara		Andhra Pradesh
Santali		Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, West Bengal, Assam
Shompen		Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Jarawa	Andamanese Family	Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Santinelese		Sentinel Islands – Andaman
Onge		Andaman Islands

Source: https://varunvasunarayananblog.wordpress.com/2019/12/07/tribal-languages-in-india-1-4/

How Many Tribes Are There in India

The Constitution of India has recognized tribal communities under ‘Schedule 5’ of the Indian constitution. That’s why the Constitution recognizes the tribal people as ‘Scheduled Tribes’. So, if you ask how many tribes there are in India, the country has around 645 groups. Here’s a state-wise arrangement of the major tribes of India for better understanding:

• Arunachal Pradesh: Apatanis, Singpho, Nyishi, Mishmi, Idu, Abor, Dafla, Galong, Momba, Sherdukpen, Taroan, Tagin, Adi, Monpa, Wancho
• Assam: Chakma, Chutia, Miri, Rabha, Garo, Dimasa, Gangte, Karbi, Boro, Borokachari, Hajong, Garos, Khasis, Kachari, Sonwal
• Bihar: Asur, Baiga, Birhor, Parhaiya, Santhals, Oraon, Santal, Tharu, Birjia, Chero, Gond, Savar, Kharwar, Banjara
• Chhattisgarh: Agariya, Biar, Khond, Bhaina, Gond, Binjhwar, Halba, Halbi, Kawar, Sawar, Bhattra, Mawasi, Nagasia
• Goa: Varli, Gawda, Dhodia, Dubia, Naikda, and Siddi
• Gujarat: Barda, Patelia, Dhanka, Dubla, Talavia, Bamcha, Bhil, Charan, Halpati, Kokna, Naikda, Patelia, Rathawa, Dhodia, Gamta, Paradhi, Siddi
• Himachal Pradesh: Gaddis, Lahaulas, Pangwala, Swangla, Gujjars, Khas, Lamba, Beta, Beda Bhot, Bodh
• Jammu and Kashmir: Bakarwal, Balti, Mon, Purigpa, Sippi, Changpa, Beda, Gaddi, Garra, Gujjar
• Jharkhand:  Birhors, Lohra, Mahli, Bhumij, Santhals, Savar, Bedia, Ho, Kharwar, Parhaiya, Santal, Kol, Gonds, Kharia, Mundas, Banjara
• Karnataka: Adiyan, Barda, Patelia, Yerava, Hasalaru, Koli Dhor, Marati , Meda, Naikda,  Gond, Bhil, Iruliga, Koraga, Soligaru
• Kerala: Adiyan, Malai Arayan, Kurichchan, Moplahs, Uralis, Irular, Arandan, Eravallan, Kurumbas, Kanikaran, Kattunayakan, Muthuvan
• Madhya Pradesh: Baigas,  Bhils, Katkari, kharia, Khond, Kol, Murias, Bharia, Birhors, Gonds, Korku, Mawasi, Pardhan, Sahariya
• Maharashtra: Bhaina, Bhunjia, Dhodia, Warlis, Dhanka, Halba, Kathodi, Kokna, Koli Mahadev, Pardhi, Katkari, Khond, Rathawa, Thakur
• Manipur: Naga, Kuki, Chiru, Maram, Monsang, Paite, Mao, Tangkhul, Thadou, Purum, Meitei, Aimol, Angami, Thadou, Anal, Poumai Naga
• Meghalaya: Chakma, Garos, Lakher, Pawai, Raba, Hajong, Jaintias Khasis, Mikir
• Mizoram: Chakma, Dimasa, Pawi, Raba, Synteng, Lushai, Khasi, Kuki, Lakher
• Nagaland: Angami, Garo, Mikir, Nagas, Sema, Ao, Chakhesang, Kachari, Kuki, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam
• Odisha:  Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Santhals, Bathudi, Bathuri, Bhottada, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Bhumij, Gond, Juang, Kisan, Kolha, Kora, Khayara, Koya, Munda, Paroja, Saora, Shabar, Lodha
• Rajasthan: Bhils, Damaria, Patelia, Sahariya, Dhanka, Meenas (Minas), Naikda, Nayaka, Kathodi
• Sikkim:  Bhutia, Limboo, Tamang, Khas, Lepchas
• Tamil Nadu: Adiyan, Aranadan, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kurumans, Malayali
• Telangana: Chenchus
• Tripura: Bhil, Bhutia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte, Mag, Munda, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Riang
• Uttarakhand: Bhotias, Raji, Tharu, Buksa, Jannsari, Khas
• Uttar Pradesh: Bhotia, Buksa, Kharwar, Saharya, Parahiya, Baiga, Agariya, Chero, Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu, Gond
• West Bengal: Asur, Khond, Hajong, Ho,  Kheria, Khariam, Mahali, Mal Pahariya, Oraon, Parhaiya,  Rabha, Santhals, Savar, Bhumij, Bhutia, Chik Baraik, Kisan, Kora, Lodha
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands:  Oraons, Onges, Shompens, Sentinelese

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Largest Tribe in India: The Bhil Tribal Community

Bhils in India are popularly known as the bowmen of Rajasthan. They are among the most widely distributed tribal groups in the country. The Bhil tribal community also constitutes the largest tribe in South Asia. Bhils are divided into two major groups: the eastern or Rajput Bhils and the central or pure Bhils. You may find the central Bhils in the mountain regions of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Most Bhils are also found in the Northeastern parts of the state of Tripura.

There are around 4.6 million Bhils in the country. They are among the widely distributed tribal communities in India. Their language is Bhili.

The Bhils have many traditional and newly emerged clans. Ahir, Bhore, Bhavare, and Pawar constitute some of the traditional clans in towns and cities. A small group of Bhil families lives in a village sector called the Falia in rural areas. The group is usually planned under the leadership of senior members of families. The design is based on the availability of water, availability of firewood, land for agriculture, and grassland for the cattle.

The Indian tribe celebrates the main festival known as the Baneshwar fair. They dedicate this fair to Lord Shiva and hold it during the period of Shivratri. It usually happens in January or February annually. All members of the community gather together to set up camps on this occasion. The event happens on the banks of the Som and Mahi river. The Bhils perform a special dance around the fire, singing traditional songs during the night. Shows themed on animal acrobatics, magic, and culture are the main attractions of the fair. Holi and Dussehra are some of the other major festivals celebrated among the Bhils in India.

History of Bhils

The Bhil tribe boasts a rich and ancient history. Their name itself, believed to be derived from the Dravidian word “billu” meaning “bow and arrow,” reflects their close association with archery. References to Bhils appear in the epics of Ramayana (associated with Shabri) and Mahabharata (Eklavya). Sanskrit literature also mentions them, with the Katha-Sarit-Sagar (600 AD) describing a Bhil chief mounted on an elephant, fiercely defending his territory in the Vindhya Mountains.

While some accounts suggest that the Bhils once wielded political power, they are believed to have retreated to the jungles and hills after facing defeat. Rajputs, Muslims, and Marathas gradually encroached upon their lands. Despite these challenges, the Bhils’ physical prowess made them valuable allies. Rajput kings, recognizing their strength, even incorporated Bhil symbols into their emblems and invited Bhil chiefs to participate in coronation ceremonies. This highlights a period of co-existence and even inter-community relationships between Bhils and Rajputs.

The Bhils’ story is one of resilience and adaptation. From their ancient roots to their encounters with various kingdoms, they have carved a unique space in history, leaving behind a legacy of courage and cultural richness.

The second largest tribe in India: The Gond Tribal Community

The Gond tribe, the second largest tribe in India, is a cornerstone of the country’s cultural richness. Central India forms their heartland, with Gond communities flourishing in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and pockets of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. This diverse geographical spread, encompassing forests, hills, and plains, has left its mark on the Gond way of life.

Beyond Geography: A Legacy of Art, Spirit, and Sustainability

The Gonds are more than just geographically dispersed. Renowned for their exquisite art forms, the Gonds express themselves through vibrant paintings and intricate metalwork. They weave their deep-rooted spiritual beliefs into their daily lives and artistic expressions. Furthermore, the Gonds demonstrate their deep connection to the land through sustainable agricultural practices.

In essence, the Gonds are not merely a tribe; they are a vibrant cultural force that has significantly shaped the identity of Central India.

Understanding the Tribals in India

Understanding the Tribals in India involves exploring the rich cultural, social, and historical diversity of indigenous communities that have inhabited the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. India is home to one of the largest and most diverse tribal populations in the world, with over 700 recognized tribes, each with its unique traditions, languages, customs, and ways of life. 

Key Aspects of Tribals in India: 

1. Diversity of Tribes 

• Tribals in India are spread across the country, with significant populations in states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Some tribes are found in the north-east, such as the Nagas, Mizos, and Khasis, while others live in the forests of central and southern India, like the Gonds, Santhals, and Toda. 

2. Tribal Identity and Language 

• Tribal identity is often closely tied to land, nature, and family structures. Many tribes have a deep connection to the forests and natural resources, with their livelihoods often centered around farming, hunting, gathering, and animal husbandry. 

3. Social Structure and Customs 

• Tribal societies are typically egalitarian, with a strong emphasis on community living, cooperation, and mutual support. The panchayat system (tribal council) plays a key role in decision-making, conflict resolution, and maintaining social order within the community. 

4. Religion and Spirituality 

• Animism is a predominant belief system among many tribal communities, where nature, animals, and elements like the sun, moon, trees, and rivers are worshipped as spiritual entities. Rituals, ceremonies, and festivals are closely linked to agriculture, harvests, seasons, and natural cycles. 

5. Economic Activities 

• Traditionally, most tribes in India have been self-sustained communities, dependent on subsistence farming, fishing, hunting, and gathering forest products like fruits, medicinal plants, and firewood. 

• Handicrafts and art forms such as tribal painting (e.g., Warli, Madhubani), weaving, pottery, and woodwork are important economic activities, often serving as sources of income and cultural expression. 

6. Challenges Faced by Tribals 

• Land Displacement: Tribals have historically been displaced from their lands due to industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, and large-scale development projects like dams, mining, and forests being commercialized. This has led to the loss of their traditional livelihoods and cultural heritage. 

• Poverty and Marginalization: Despite various welfare schemes, many tribal communities remain economically marginalized, facing high rates of illiteracy, poor health care, unemployment, and low income levels. 

7. Legal Protection and Rights 

• The Indian Constitution recognizes the special status of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and provides them with certain legal protections to ensure their welfare and empowerment. This includes provisions like: 

• Reservation in education, employment, and political representation. 

• Protection of land rights through the Tribal Land Act and other legal frameworks to prevent the exploitation and alienation of tribal lands. 

• Forest Rights Act (2006) recognizes the rights of tribals and forest dwellers over forest resources, aiming to empower them and protect their livelihoods. 

8. Tribal Arts and Culture 

• Tribal communities have a rich heritage of art, crafts, and performing arts that reflect their traditions and ways of life. These include tribal paintings, music, dance, and folk tales that have been passed down through generations. 

9. Modern Challenges and Progress 

While there are several government initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of tribals, challenges like cultural erosion, social integration, economic disparity, and lack of basic infrastructure continue to persist.

Conclusion

Understanding the Tribals in India means acknowledging the deep cultural, social, and historical roots of these communities, as well as addressing the modern challenges they face. Tribal societies have rich traditions, languages, and customs that contribute significantly to India’s cultural diversity. However, they continue to battle social and economic inequalities, requiring both legal protections and sustainable development practices to ensure their empowerment and well-being in the modern world.

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