Eduqo
Indian Geography›Ch 5: Human Geography & World›Tribes of India
Master major Indian tribes, their states, and key characteristics for competitive exams.
Tribal distribution maps directly to India's forested, hilly, and isolated geographical terrain. Questions in exams target the matching state and specific cultural traits of major tribes like Gond, Bhil, and Santhal.
Smart Memory Hooks
| Tribe Name | Primary State(s) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Gond | Madhya Pradesh | Largest tribe in India |
| Bhil | Rajasthan, MP | Renowned archers |
| Santhal | Jharkhand, WB | Led Santhal Hul uprising |
| Toda | Tamil Nadu | Nilgiri pastoralists |
NAGA
(North-East Warriors)
North-East Warriors
Naga tribes are famous for colourful traditional shawls and Hornbill festival.
JARAWA
(Andaman Islanders)
Andaman Islanders
Jarawa is a protected PVTG inhabiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
KHASI
(Meghalaya Hills)
Meghalaya Hills
Khasi people practice matrilineal descent and inhabit wet Cherrapunji region.
GOND
(Central Plateau)
Central Plateau
Gondwana region spans Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and parts of Telangana.
Toda tribe lives in Madhya PradeshToda tribe lives in Nilgiri Hills, TN
Do not confuse Toda pastoralists with central Indian forest tribes like Gond.
Khasi is native to NagalandKhasi is native to Meghalaya
Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia are hill ranges and tribes located specifically in Meghalaya.
Jarawa is found in LakshadweepJarawa is found in Andaman & Nicobar
Always verify island UT names; Jarawa and Sentinelese belong strictly to Andaman & Nicobar.
Q1.The Toda tribe, known for their unique culture and buffalo herding, primarily inhabits which hills?
Q2.Which of the following Indian tribes is correctly matched with its respective state?