5.1 - Who are Adivasis

Adivasis are the indigenous or tribal communities in India who have historically lived in isolation from the mainstream society. They are also referred to as "Scheduled Tribes" in the Indian Constitution. The term "Adivasi" means "original inhabitants" and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Adyavasis," which refers to the first settlers of a region.

In India, Adivasis constitute about 8% of the total population, with the largest concentrations in the central and northeastern regions of the country. They are scattered across various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and the northeastern states like Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.

These communities have distinct cultural practices, languages, and traditions. Many Adivasis follow animistic or nature-based religious practices, and their livelihoods are closely connected to forests, rivers, and the land they inhabit. Adivasi society is traditionally based on tribal customs, and their economies are often agricultural or forest-based, relying on subsistence farming, hunting, and gathering.

The Adivasis have their own languages and dialects, which are different from the mainstream Indian languages. There are hundreds of languages spoken by different tribes. For example, the Santali language is spoken by the Santhal tribe, while the Gondi language is spoken by the Gonds. These languages are an important part of their identity and culture.

Historically, Adivasis were marginalized and faced discrimination from the larger society. Due to their geographical isolation, they were often neglected by the government and were not part of the political and economic mainstream. Over time, their land and resources have been encroached upon, leading to the loss of their traditional livelihoods.

The government of India has implemented various policies and measures to protect the rights of Adivasis, including the recognition of their land rights through laws such as the Forest Rights Act (2006) and the reservation of seats for them in educational institutions and government jobs. Despite these efforts, Adivasis continue to face challenges related to poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to healthcare and other essential services.

In addition to their economic and social marginalization, Adivasis also face cultural challenges. The dominant culture in India often overlooks or undermines their traditions and way of life. There have been cases of cultural assimilation and the loss of Adivasi languages and customs due to the influence of mainstream society.

Moreover, Adivasis have struggled with land rights and displacement due to development projects, such as the construction of dams, mining operations, and the expansion of industries. Many Adivasi communities have been forced to leave their ancestral lands without proper compensation or rehabilitation, leading to the disruption of their lives and livelihood.

The term "marginalization" refers to the process by which certain groups are pushed to the edges of society and denied access to resources, opportunities, and rights. Adivasis are one of the most marginalized groups in India. They face discrimination and are often excluded from the political and social mainstream, which makes it difficult for them to improve their living conditions.

In this context, it is important to understand the struggle of Adivasis for recognition, rights, and justice. Their issues must be addressed by society as a whole to ensure that they are not left behind in the process of national development.