MOST ENDANGERED TRIBES OF INDIA
Introduction
India consists of the largest population of tribal people in the world that is about a 104million people (according to the 2011 census). It is believed that in the northeastern states of the country that includes Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, almost 90 percent of people are tribal. Yes, the number is huge, but sadly they are on the verge of extinction. “Adivasis”, a native name given by Indians to tribal communities which specifically means the original inhabitants of a given region. Although the tribes in India are protected by the constitution, still they are looked down upon.
Here we have listed a few most endangered tribal groups of India that might not fit well into contemporary society according to numerous communities in India. So, what’s the wait for? Let’s dive into our list to explore the various tribal groups.
The Sentinelese Tribe
Originating from the Andanamar and Nicobar islands, the Sentinelese tribe lives a completely isolated life in a small forested island called North Sentinelese, where they almost have no connection with the outside world. This tribe has completely refused any interaction to a level that it’s hard to tell as to what Sentinelese tribe men call their tribe. Before 2016, there were no studies that could give an approx number of these tribes. Later, In 2016 an Anthropological Survey of India was conducted which states that their population stands between 100 to 150. Because of their complete isolation, nearly nothing about their traits has been recorded by the government.
The Great Andamanese Tribe
The Great Andamanese Tribe is one of the oldest tribes of the world that are believed to have migrated from Africa. Earlier, they were recorded as one of the biggest tribal groups with a population between 2000 to 6600 in Andaman and Nicobar island but now the number has reduced to an extent that they are one of the most endangered tribal groups of India and the world. The reason being was that the great Andamanese died during their fight against the British followed by the spread of diseases such as measles and influenza. In recent times, Indian Officials announced that 10 out of 59 members tested positive for covid 19 in 2020, out of which 4 were admitted to the hospital and 6 stayed at their place. Luckily, all of them recovered by September and are doing well.
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The Onge Tribe
The Onge tribe or Madhumitha, with few other tribal groups, are termed as Negrito tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is believed that this tribe is closely related to the Negrito population in the Philippines and Malaysia. This tribe is fully dependent on hunting and gathering for their food. Like the Great Andamanese, the Onge tribe witnessed a major fall in the population from 672 in 1901 to nearly 100 in 2011. The major cause for the fall in numbers is the changes in their food habits as they came in contact with the outside world. Though a recent rise in the number of Onge tribes has been recorded as in 2006, there were 94 Onge speakers.
The Jarawa Tribe
Another tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the Jarawa tribe is quite popular amongst the tourists. These tourists try to enter the land of the Jarawa tribe and treat them like animals. Before 2006, they were big in population, but in 1999 and 2006, the disease called measles wiped out a lot of tribes around the globe. With a population of nearly 400 people, this tribe is on the verge of extinction. Conservation of this tribe is becoming extremely difficult as their land is not protected from outside interference.
The Kamar Tribe
The Kamar tribe primarily belongs to the Raipur and Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. They most likely earn their living by making bamboo items that they sell in daily markets. Farming is yet another occupation for the Kamar tribe, followed by fishing and hunting. To multiply their income, many of them also work in small-scale industries as workers, and women are supposed to do household work. The surveys say that they were around 30,000 in 1991 but according to the census 2011, the number declined to 666. It was recorded that the rapid fall in the population was because of malnutrition, sexually transmitted diseases, and high infant mortality.
Final Verdict
Tribal groups being a part of India, it’s high time that the general public let them enjoy their rights to at least a certain level. Several research and studies state that due to forest degradation, it’s the tribal people who suffer the most as it becomes almost impossible for them to leave their native place and to shift to a whole new atmosphere all together. The plight of these tribal communities should be taken more seriously in the public sphere and they should be given the chance to practice their basic rights.
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