India tribal peoples: who the Adivasi are, their status as Scheduled Tribes, the struggle over land and forests, and their place in modern India.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-09
Adivasi means «original inhabitants» and is the common name for the many indigenous tribal peoples of India. Together they number well over 100 million people – roughly 8–9% of India population – making them one of the largest indigenous populations in the world. They are not one group but hundreds, including the Santhal, Gond and Bhil peoples.
Adivasi communities have their own languages, religions, music and close relationships with the land and forests where they live. Their cultures are often very different from mainstream Hindu society.
The Indian Constitution lists many Adivasi groups as Scheduled Tribes, giving them certain protections and reserved places in education, government jobs and politics. Despite this, many Adivasi remain among the poorest and most marginalised people in the country.
A central struggle for the Adivasi is over land and forests. Mining projects, dams and industry have forced large numbers of people from their homes – a process called displacement. The slogan jal, jangal, jameen («water, forest, land») captures their demand to control their own resources. The Forest Rights Act of 2006 recognised some traditional rights to forest land.
Adivasi movements continue to campaign for land rights, fair development and respect for their cultures. Their situation raises important questions about how a fast-developing country balances economic growth with the rights of its indigenous peoples.