Over centuries the Indian tribes (janjatis) have immensely contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of the country. History has recorded their patriotism, unshakable love and commitment to great kings who always fought for India’s safety and integrity. Their sacrifice, truthfulness, honesty, simplicity and loyalty to the noble kings of India have no parallel in Indian history. The physically and mentally strong Indian tribe have superb intelligence, creative skill and imagination, which help them win Olympic medals for the country. The Union government has launched a gamut of development and promotional programs to improve the quality of life in the tribal community.
Through the ages, the Indian tribes helped the kings and monarchs against the marauding invaders. It is the simple but brave Banjara tribe of Southern India who helped Ram defeat the mighty demon King, Ravana. The tribal warriors saved the life of Maha Rana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji and fought for them shoulder to shoulder in their long enduring battle for freedom; their bravery, loyalty and sacrifice drove out the Moghuls from their soil. The Tribals were always at the forefront of India’s freedom struggle. The British misused the media to paint the tribal freedom fighters as dacoits and looters. The fearless tribes of Odisha and Bihar fought the British till their last breath.
Despite their poor economic condition, the tribals have made India proud by winning many Olympic medals. Their nature-hardened physic, strong determination, and perseverance give them an edge over the urban athletes. It is the tough tribe that constitutes the Indo-Tibetan Border Police; they are one of the most dreaded army units in the world. The Chinese army feared them the most.
Indian tribes are the symbol of strength, creativity, courage and righteousness. They have gifted the Bollywood film industry with many music, songs and dance forms. They have also contributed to the rich handicraft traditions and added high value to biodegradable products with their skill and imagination. The outside world should let the tribe lead a natural life in forests, islands and hills. They protect forests, hills and forests, which contribute to human survival. They have the skill to harness hundreds of minor forest products with a ready domestic and international market.
The tribe can guard the forest and guide the tourists to see wildlife; the tourist can enjoy tribal folk dance and music in the forest environment. The external forces should not try to dent the socio-cultural environment, the original faith and the ethnic culture of the forest community. Tribal art and craft, wildlife tourism, pilgrim tourism, handloom and collection of minor forest products can generate income and employment for the tribal.
The Gond ojha of Adilabad can add very high value to the dhokra craft; they can make a human figure that looks real from 20 feet away. The tribal artisan of Bastar makes artistic decorative and utility items from wood and iron, which are very popular in domestic and foreign craft bazaars. The Bhil tribe of the Dhar and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh make ragged dolls; the demand for those dolls is very high in the Western market. Similarly, the Warli tribe of Maharashtra make exotic paintings which are famous as Warli paintings. The Banjaras of Telangana make traditional attires which have become a high fashion among the rich class women. The tribes of North East India make hundreds of handicraft and handloom traditions. The demand for those bio-degradable handicrafts is growing quickly due to global warming. The traditional tribal huts can become the chief attraction for tourists; living in those huts in forest-fringed villages gives an unforgettable experience.
Indian tribes are the sparkling gems in the kaleidoscope of India’s rich cultural diversity. The uniqueness of the tribal culture and traditions should be preserved for the happiness, growth and prosperity of the tribal region.
