Scheduled Tribes (STs), often called Adivasis, are communities listed by the President under the Constitution for special protection. They are about 8.6 percent of India's population (104 million in 2011), concentrated in a 'tribal belt' from Gujarat and Rajasthan through central India to Bengal, and in the north-east, where Mizoram and Lakshadweep have the highest shares (about 95 percent).
Key facts
- 8.6 percent of India's population, about 104 million (2011 Census); Mizoram and Lakshadweep have tribal shares of about 95 percent.
- The term Adivasi was coined by tribal activists in the 1930s; the Constitution uses 'Scheduled Tribe'.
- PVTGs: 75 groups in 18 states and one UT, identified after the Dhebar Commission (1960-61); renamed from 'primitive tribal groups' in 2006.
- PVTG examples: Birhor, Onge, Shompen and Great Andamanese; the last addition was the Maram of Manipur in 1993-94.
Why exams ask about it
Which state a tribe lives in, which language family it speaks, and which festival or custom marks it are the standard questions.