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.

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

The tribal population forms an important part of the Indian population. Out of them, the Bhils constitute the largest tribe in the country, followed by Gonds and Santhals. The tribes are a part of the Scheduled Tribe category of Article 342 of the Indian constitution. These tribal communities play an important role in preserving India’s diversity and cultural heritage. They get special provisions that help uplift their socio-economic status and well-being in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s )