What Are Some of the Ethnic Minorities in India?
India is known for its rich culture and diversity, and one of the aspects that makes it unique is the presence of many different ethnic minorities. Many of these ethnic groups are classified under the Indian Constitution as “Scheduled Tribes.” Over 700 ethnic groups fall under the banner Scheduled Tribes.
Among these Scheduled Tribes are the indigenous people of India, commonly known as Adivasis or “first inhabitants,” who have lived in India for thousands of years. The Adivasis are divided into many different ethnic groups and tribes, each with its own unique language, culture, religion, and traditions. The Adivasis are the largest ethnic minority in India, making up about 8% of India’s population.
Each of these groups brings their own diversity lending to India’s multicultural fabric. They actively contribute to shaping India's overall society and culture. Let's take a closer look at some of these ethnic minorities:
The Hills of Meghalaya
Garos - The Garos live in the Garo Hills of India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya. They are predominantly an agrarian community and are known for their traditional music, dance, and handicrafts, especially basket weaving. The Wangala festival is their most significant cultural event, where they offer thanks to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. The Garos are also known for their unique architecture, often building houses on stilts to protect them from floods. The Garos have faced challenges, including displacement due to mining and other large-scale development projects.
Bhils - The Bhils are an indigenous tribe primarily residing in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra in western India. They have their unique culture, language, and traditions and are known for their mastery of archery and hunting. The Bhils are predominantly a farming community and are skilled in agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts. They have their traditional music and dance, including the famous Gavari dance, which is performed during the harvesting season. However, the Bhils have faced challenges, including displacement, loss of land, and discrimination. Efforts are on to preserve their culture and provide them with better opportunities for education and employment.
Santals - The Santals live in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in eastern India. They are known for their traditional music and dance, especially the Santali dance. The Santals are predominantly a farming community and are skilled in cultivation, animal husbandry, and traditional medicine. The community is also famous for its handloom textiles, of which women are the primary weavers. Like other minorities, the Santals face challenges with being displaced and discriminated against.
Mizos - The Mizos live in the mountainous terrains in the Indian state of Mizoram, which borders Myanmar. Mizoram is known for its beautiful landscape, with hills, waterfalls, and valleys, and the Mizos have a strong connection with their land. The Mizos are experts in weaving, and making handicrafts and have rich singing voices. They are a matrilineal society. The traditional dance Cheraw is one of their most popular cultural expressions, where men and women dance between bamboo poles while striking them rhythmically. An Inner Line Permit, restricts the entry of outsiders, including Indians from the plains into Mizoram, due to its proximity to an international border.
Tiger walking through the Jim Corbett National Park near the Tharu community on the Indo-Nepal border
Tharu - The Tharu community is an ethnic minority in India with a population of around 2 million people. They are primarily found in the northern and central parts of India, in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Traditionally, the Tharu people have been involved in agriculture and forest-related activities. However, due to increasing industrialization and deforestation, many Tharu people have had to move to urban areas in search of work. Some of the extended Tharu communities are reportedly beggars, snake charmers, and gypsies. Like other ethnic minorities, the Tharu community has faced various challenges, including discrimination and marginalization. Because of this, Tharu communities and other ethnic minorities are at risk of losing their unique characteristics as they are forced to assimilate with the major cultures found in India.
At Tiyara, we seek to provide higher education scholarships that will make life-changing differences for these under-resourced young women and men. Scholarships are also extended to young women and men who belong to indigenous populations living in remote areas, who have had their lives changed by discrimination because of crimes committed by a family member, and others who face discrimination because of their caste.
You can help promote growth and opportunity by providing technology for our students, other education-related costs, or by putting a deserving young person through college!