India, with its rich cultural tapestry, is home to numerous indigenous communities that have preserved their unique traditions and lifestyles for generations.
Among these, the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) stand out as some of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities in the country.
This article sheds light on the lives, cultures, challenges, and efforts to preserve the identity of some important PVTGs in India.
Who are PVTGs?
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are a category of indigenous communities identified and recognized by the Government of India based on their distinctiveness, isolation, and extreme vulnerability to exploitation and external influences.
As per the Indian Constitution and government policies, PVTGs are granted special protections and welfare measures to preserve their unique culture, customs, and heritage.
Bondas of Odisha
The Bonda tribe, also known as the Bondas, reside in the remote hills of Malkangiri district in the state of Odisha.
With their distinctive clothing, jewelry, and customs, the Bondas have managed to preserve their traditional way of life despite modern influences.
Their subsistence revolves around shifting agriculture, hunting, and gathering.
However, the Bondas face challenges such as limited access to education and healthcare, leading to their economic and social marginalization.
Jarawas of Andaman Islands
The Jarawas are an indigenous tribe living in the Andaman Islands, one of the most isolated regions in India.
They have limited contact with the outside world and maintain a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The Jarawas’ isolation and vulnerability to diseases brought by outsiders make them particularly vulnerable.
Efforts are being made to protect their habitat, prevent illegal activities in the region, and ensure respectful engagement with the Jarawa community.
Sentinelese of Andaman Islands
The Sentinelese tribe, also residing in the Andaman Islands, is one of the most isolated and enigmatic groups in the world.
They fiercely resist contact with the outside world, making it challenging for researchers and authorities to interact with them.
The Sentinelese have remained untouched by modern civilization and continue to follow their ancestral practices.
They are a testament to the importance of preserving the cultural autonomy and way of life of indigenous communities.
Todas of Tamil Nadu
The Toda tribe resides in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and is known for their unique pastoral culture.
The Todas have a distinct language, customs, and religious beliefs, which they meticulously preserve.
However, the encroachment of modernity and tourism has impacted their traditional lifestyle and habitat.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the Toda culture and safeguard their fragile ecosystem.
Birhor of Jharkhand
The Birhor tribe, primarily found in the state of Jharkhand, is known for their hunting and gathering lifestyle.
They live in forested regions and practice animism as their religion. The Birhors have faced challenges due to displacement from their traditional lands and inadequate access to education and healthcare.
Efforts are being made to provide them with livelihood opportunities and protect their cultural heritage.
Koragas of Karnataka
The Koraga tribe, located in the coastal regions of Karnataka, have a distinct culture and language.
Historically, they were marginalized and subjected to exploitative practices, but efforts have been made to uplift their living standards and preserve their cultural identity.
The Koragas have unique art forms and cultural expressions, which are celebrated and promoted to safeguard their heritage.
Some other PVTGs
- Great Andamanese: The Great Andamanese tribes reside in the Andaman Islands and include several sub-groups. They have a unique language and cultural practices, including their traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle.
- Shompen: The Shompen tribe also inhabits the Andaman Islands. They are known for their distinct language and traditional practices.
- Onge: The Onge tribe is another indigenous group living in the Andaman Islands. Their traditional lifestyle revolves around hunting, fishing, and gathering.
- Chuktia Bhunjia: The Chuktia Bhunjia tribe resides in the state of Odisha. They primarily depend on agriculture and practice their unique traditional customs and rituals.
- Paharia: The Paharia tribe is found in the state of Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal. They are predominantly agriculturalists and have a distinct cultural heritage.
- Kurumbas: The Kurumbas are indigenous communities found in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. They have unique customs, traditions, and knowledge of medicinal plants.
- Hakki-Pikki: The Hakki-Pikki tribes are nomadic hunter-gatherers living in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They move from place to place in search of livelihood opportunities.
- Korwa: The Korwa tribe resides in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. They have their own language and traditional practices.
- Kamar: The Kamar tribe is located in the state of Chhattisgarh. They are skilled in agriculture and handicrafts.
- Khond: The Khond tribe, also known as Kondh or Kandha, is found in the states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. They have unique cultural practices and rituals.
- Chenchus: The Chenchu tribe is found in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They have a strong connection to the forest and practice traditional hunting and gathering.
- Koragas: Apart from the previous mention, the Koragas are also found in the state of Kerala, primarily residing in coastal regions.
Efforts to Preserve PVTGs
Recognizing the vulnerability of PVTGs, the Government of India and various organizations have undertaken several initiatives to preserve their cultural heritage and improve their living conditions. These efforts include:
- Legal Protections: Special provisions and safeguards are provided to PVTGs under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
- Development Schemes: Various development schemes and projects are implemented to improve the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs, providing them with access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
- Ethnographic Research: Ethnographic research and documentation of PVTGs’ cultural practices and traditions are carried out to preserve and promote their intangible heritage.
- Cultural Festivals: Celebrations of cultural festivals and events are encouraged to revitalize and sustain the cultural practices of PVTGs.
- Community Involvement: Involvement of PVTG communities in decision-making processes and policy implementation is promoted to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the efforts to protect PVTGs, several challenges persist:
- Lack of Awareness: Many PVTGs continue to face discrimination and marginalization due to the lack of awareness and understanding of their unique cultural identities.
- Land and Resource Rights: The encroachment on PVTG lands and resources threatens their traditional way of life and cultural practices.
- Health and Education: Access to healthcare and education remains inadequate for many PVTG communities, hindering their socio-economic development.
- Preserving Cultural Integrity: The impact of external influences and globalization poses a threat to the cultural integrity of PVTGs.
To address these challenges, it is essential to strengthen the implementation of existing protective measures and engage in inclusive and sustainable development programs that respect the autonomy and unique needs of each PVTG community.
Preserving the cultural heritage of PVTGs not only enriches India’s diverse cultural landscape but also contributes to the global understanding of indigenous communities’ resilience, wisdom, and way of life.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are the custodians of invaluable cultural diversity and intangible heritage in India.
Despite their challenges, these communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience and the ability to maintain their unique identities.
It is our collective responsibility to protect, preserve, and promote the cultural heritage of PVTGs, respecting their autonomy and ensuring their continued contribution to India’s cultural mosaic.
By valuing and supporting these indigenous communities, we honor their cultural richness and safeguard the legacy they carry for generations to come.