Step back in time as we embark on a fascinating exploration of India’s ancient roots—the ancient indigenous tribes that have existed for eons on the Indian Subcontinent. With a history that stretches back centuries, these remarkable communities have preserved their unique cultures, customs, and traditions, standing as living testaments to the country’s diverse heritage. The Top 10s Only team proudly presents to you the Top 10 Oldest Indigenous Tribes of India, each contributing to the vibrant heritage of this incredible land. Join us as we uncover their captivating stories and delve into the secrets of their time-honoured culture.
Who Are The Oldest Tribes Or Adivasis Of India?
India boasts an extraordinary diversity of indigenous communities, some of which trace their roots back to ancient times. Deep-rooted in history, these resilient tribal communities have continued to thrive in modern times, preserving their distinct ways of life amid societal transformations. They have remained steadfast in the face of modern challenges. Amidst India’s indigenous communities, a few stand out as the oldest tribes and Adivasis, serving as living legacies that bridge the past and the present. These indigenous tribes of India and their cultures offer a captivating glimpse into the rich traditions and heritage that have thrived in this diverse nation for centuries. Let’s unravel the fascinating stories behind India’s oldest tribes.
1. Munda Tribe
The Munda people, one of the top 10 oldest Indian tribes in the Indian subcontinent, boast a distinctive cultural legacy. The name “Munda” holds significance as it represents the village headman in the Munda-Manki system, overseeing villages in Southeast Chotanagpur. They proudly identify themselves as hodoko or horo, meaning “men.” Predominantly involved in farming, woodcutting, and crafting baskets, the Munda community resides in their villages, upholding a patriarchal society with the majority adhering to Hinduism, while others follow Sarnaism or Christianity.
Origin
The Mundas are believed to have reached Odisha’s coast 4000–3500 years ago from Southeast Asia. Their ancestors initially migrated from Southeast Asia and later mixed with local Indian populations. They share a genetic affinity with Malaysia’s Mah Meri and Temuan people.
Regions
Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Outside India, the Munda tribes can be found in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Languages
Mundari
Modern Life Challenges
Displacement, cultural erosion, encroachment, and economic struggles pose modern-day challenges for the Munda people.
2. Bhil Tribe
Curious to know which tribes are the oldest in India? One such ancient tribe is the Bhil. Also known as Bheel, this ethnic group in western India primarily inhabits the forests and hills of Rajasthan’s southern parts and surrounding regions. Their name, derived from “billa” or “billu” in Dravidian, signifies their expertise with bows and arrows. Their rich culture endures through the famed Pithora paintings and Ghoomar, a traditional dance devoted to Goddess Saraswati.
Origin
Having origins dating back to the Mahabharata era, Bhil kings were once rulers of certain regions in Gujarat.
Region
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Tripura
Languages
Bhili
Modern Life Challenges
While the majority of Bhils are engaged in farming, various challenges like subsistence agriculture, small land holdings, mounting debts, and recurring droughts have compelled many of them to seek alternative livelihoods, leaving their traditional occupation behind.
3. Kurumba Tribe
Discover the fascinating world of the Kurumba tribe, one of the oldest inhabitants of the Western Ghats. Renowned for their expertise in collecting forest produce like wild honey and wax, they exhibit a deep connection with nature. With distinct divisions such as Jenu, Betta, and Alu, each speaking their own Dravidian language, the Kurumbas boast a diverse cultural heritage. Their devotion to Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities, coupled with their unique customs, paints a fascinating picture of this ancient community.
Origin
According to the Kurumbas of Nilgiri district, they trace their ancestry and migration to the regions bordering Wayanad and Attapady in Kerala, as well as Gundalpet in Karnataka, situated in and around the Nilgiri plateau.
Region
Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Languages
Southern Dravidian languages
Modern Life Challenges
The Kurumba tribe faces the challenge of seeking work outside the forests due to restrictions on accessing native forest and wildlife resources.
4. Santhal
The Santal people, an Austroasiatic-speaking Munda ethnic group and also the oldest known indigenous Indian tribe, offer a fascinating glimpse into their unique way of life. Engaged in various occupations like coal mining and steel factories, their villages revolve around the vital practise of rice cultivation. Guided by hereditary headmen and elder councils, the Santal, cherish patrilineal descent, featuring 12 distinct clans with their own customs, including marriage regulations. Their profound spiritual beliefs centre on the veneration of ancestral spirits and deities, lending their culture a captivating tapestry of tradition.
Origin
Approximately 4,000 to 3,500 years ago, Austro-Asiatic language speakers are believed to have migrated from Indochina to the Odisha coast. Originating in Southeast Asia, they extensively mixed with local Indian populations, leading to the diverse community of Austroasiatic speakers we see today.
Region
Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand and West Bengal
Languages
Santali languages
Modern Life Challenges
Poor primary healthcare, insufficient developmental infrastructure, and pervasive socioeconomic issues like poverty and illiteracy pose challenges for the Santal people.
5. Kotas
The Kotas are the 1,500-strong oldest surviving tribes of South India and have spent 160 years residing in seven villages. Skilled in pottery, agriculture, leatherwork, carpentry, and blacksmithing, they also excel as musicians. By embracing education, they’ve improved their lives, moving away from traditional ways. Some view them as a specialised caste instead of a regular tribe or ethnic group.
Origin
Anthropologists believe that the Kotas’ ancestors arrived in the Nilgiris massif from present-day Kerala or Karnataka in the centuries BCE and evolved separately from the rest of society.
Region
Tamil Nadu
Languages
Kota language
Modern Life Challenges
The Kota tribe faces challenges in preserving their culture, balancing traditional livelihoods with modern opportunities, and addressing education, healthcare, and socio-economic development.
6. Kharia
Journey into the fascinating world of the Kharia people, the oldest tribe in India that still exists, hailing from east-central India. Subdivided into Hill Kharia, Delki Kharia, and Dudh Kharia, the latter boasts the highest literacy rates. Once under zamindars during British rule, they now thrive as landowning farmers. Preserving their rich heritage, the Kharia speak a traditional dialect, a part of the Munda Languages, reflecting their deep connection to nature and the profound influence of their ecological and cultural surroundings.
Origin
Approximately 4000–3500 years ago, the Kharia people journeyed from Southeast Asia to settle along the Odisha coast. Speaking the Austroasiatic language, they extensively mixed with indigenous Indian communities, giving rise to a distinctive cultural fusion.
Region
Odisha
Languages
The Dudh Kharia and Dhelki Kharia speak the Austroasiatic language Kharia, while the Hill Kharia adopted the Indo-Aryan language Kharia Thar.
Modern Life Challenges
The Kharia people confront challenges of limited forest access, a lack of arable land, migration for work, malnutrition, and a degraded social and economic life.
7. Irula
The Adivasi population in India includes the fascinating Irula people, an indigenous community known for their deep connection to nature and unique way of life. With around 200,000 in population, they are known for their traditional occupations like snake-catching, rat-catching, and honey collection. Their profound understanding of snakes and fascinating cultural traditions make them an extraordinary community worth exploring.
Origin
Studies reveal the tribe’s origins trace back to ethnic groups in Southeast Asia.
Region
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
Languages
Irula language
Modern Life Challenges
The Irula people face modern life challenges, including caste discrimination, police atrocities, a lack of clean drinking water, safe shelter, and access to medical care.
8. Balti People
Originating from Tibetan descent, the Balti people are ancient tribes that have survived the test of time, establishing their communities in Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan, and Ladakh, India. The Kargil district is their primary abode, with smaller settlements scattered across the Leh district. Holding their vibrant cultural heritage dear, the Balti were originally followers of Bön and Tibetan Buddhism. However, their spiritual landscape evolved with the arrival of Islam in the 14th century CE, brought by Sufi missionaries.
Origin
The origin of the name Balti remains unknown. The first mention of the Balti people appears in the 2nd century BCE by the historian Ptolemy, who was referring to the region as Byaltae. Baltistan, chiefly inhabited by Muslim tribes of Tibetan origin, is locally known as Balti-Yul (the Land of Baltis).
Region
Pakistani-administered territory of Gilgit−Baltistan, and Indian-administered territory of Ladakh
Languages
Balti language
Modern Life Challenges
Limited resources, isolation, and the preservation of cultural identity pose modern-day challenges for the Balti people.
9. Gurjar
The Gurjar people, an ethnic nomadic, agricultural, and pastoral community, are the oldest surviving tribes of North India and have a rich and diverse history. Their roots can be traced back to an ancient ethnic and tribal identity known as Gurjara, which gained prominence after the Gupta Empire’s collapse. Over time, the term Gurjar evolved into a caste, tribe, and ethnic group in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Despite the lack of a definitive meaning, Gurjar’s historical significance is evident, with numerous Gurjar chieftains and kings exerting influence throughout history.
Origin
The origin of the Gurjar people is a subject of contention among historians and anthropologists. Some believe that their ancient ancestors migrated in multiple waves around 1 CE and were initially recognised as high-caste warriors within the Hindu community in the North-Western areas (presently known as Rajasthan and Gujarat).
Region
Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab Plains and Maharashtra
Languages
Gujari language
Modern Life Challenges
The Gurjar tribe faces challenges due to illiteracy and backwardness, lagging behind in various aspects of modern life and development.
10. Jarawas
The Jarawas, one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the world, carry a mystique that has fascinated explorers and anthropologists for centuries. The earliest indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have inhabited the pristine coastlines for thousands of years, maintaining their unique cultures and traditions. Secluded from the outside world, much of their society, culture, and traditions remain shrouded in secrecy. However, in recent years, the Jarawas’ encounters with outsiders have increased, revealing glimpses of their unique way of life.
Origin
The origins of the Jarawas can be traced back to the Jangil tribe, with their presence on the Andaman Islands dating back over two millennia. Linguistically and culturally distinguished from the Greater Andamanese, their early colonisation provides evidence of human migration through southern Asia, possibly with convergent traits similar to African groups. Remarkably, the Jarawas are believed to be one of the first successful tribes to venture out of Africa.
Region
Andaman Islands
Languages
Jarawa language
Modern Life Challenges
Modern life challenges faced by the Jarawas include land encroachment and poaching.
India is home to a rich tapestry of ancient cultures and traditions, with its indigenous tribes representing a remarkable legacy of human history. The Top 10 Oldest Indigenous Tribes of India have preserved their unique customs, beliefs, and practises for millennia, serving as a reminder of the resilience and diversity of humanity. These tribes offer invaluable insights into sustainable living, harmony with nature, and a profound connection to their ancestral roots. As custodians of invaluable intangible heritage, it is imperative for society to recognise, respect, and support their cultural preservation, ensuring their continued existence for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oldest Indigenous Tribes of India
1. Which is the oldest tribe in India?
India is home to a wide array of large tribal groups, making it challenging to determine the absolute oldest tribe due to the immense historical and cultural diversity within these communities. However, the Santhal and Bhil have long-standing roots in the country. These tribes, along with many other major tribes in India, have preserved their unique customs and traditions, contributing to the fascinating tapestry of India’s indigenous heritage.
2. How many different Adivasi groups are there in India?
India’s diverse Adivasi groups boast a unique cultural heritage. The precise count can’t be determined due to uncertainties, as it remains subject to ongoing research. The history of Adivasi tribes in India showcases a multitude of diverse groups, each contributing to the nation’s cultural fabric through their unique heritage and traditions.
3. Who called Adivasi first?
In the 1930s, Thakkar Bapa, a social worker, introduced the term Adivasi to denote the tribal people as the original inhabitants of the forest. The word aimed to foster a collective identity among India’s diverse indigenous communities.
4. What is Adivasi called in English?
Adivasis are called “Indigenous People” or “Tribal People” in English.
5. What is the world’s most isolated tribe?
The Sentinelese, a tribe that inhabits North Sentinel Island, one of the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean, are the most isolated people in the world.