The treatise entitled ‘Major Tribes of India’ is an ambitious and meticulously edited volume that seeks to illuminate the rich cultural tapestry and enduring legacy of India’s tribal communities. Bringing together comprehensive accounts of 30 major tribes from across the country, this book offers a balanced blend of descriptive documentation and analytical scholarship. As the work moves into publication, it stands as a significant contribution to the growing body of literature on tribal studies in India. India’s tribal population represents one of the most ancient and diverse segments of its society, embodying a continuum of traditions, belief systems, and ecological adaptations. These communities, often closely intertwined with nature, have preserved unique ways of life that reflect both resilience and harmony with their environments. This volume endeavours to present these communities not merely as subjects of study, but as dynamic societies with rich cultural identities and evolving socio-economic realities. The core of the book lies in its detailed portrayal of 31 major tribes, carefully selected to represent the geographical and cultural diversity of India. Each chapter provides a structured and engaging account of a tribe’s origin, distribution, social organization, economic practices, language, customs, rituals, and artistic expressions. The narratives are designed to capture both the continuity of tradition and the processes of change influenced by modernization, state policies, and global interactions.
The editorial approach emphasizes clarity, coherence, and academic rigor while maintaining a language that is accessible and engaging. This ensures that the book caters not only to scholars and researchers but also to students, policymakers, and general readers with an interest in India’s indigenous communities. The interdisciplinary nature of the work—drawing from geography, anthropology, sociology, and history—adds to its depth and relevance.
At a time when tribal communities face increasing challenges arising from displacement, resource exploitation, and cultural erosion, this book assumes greater significance. It highlights the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable development policies that respect tribal knowledge systems, safeguard their rights, and promote their dignity. Simultaneously, it underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of rapid transformation. ‘Major Tribes of India’ is not merely a compilation of information; it is a thoughtful tribute to the resilience, diversity, and cultural wealth of India’s tribal populations. By documenting their stories and perspectives, the book seeks to foster greater awareness, sensitivity, and appreciation among its readers. It aspires to bridge the gap between academic discourse and public understanding, contributing meaningfully to both. In an era of rapid transformation, ‘Major Tribes of India’ emerges as a powerful, enduring testament to the enduring vitality of indigenous cultures. It is more than a book, it is a profound declaration of respect, a scholarly triumph, and a clarion call to honour, protect, and learn from India’s magnificent tribal legacy. In essence, this volume stands as a testament to India’s pluralistic heritage and the invaluable contributions of its tribal communities. It invites readers to engage with, learn from, and reflect upon a vital yet often underrepresented dimension of the nation’s social fabric.
| Weight | 0.500 Gm. |
|---|---|
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 400 |
| Edition | Paper Back |
| Author | Prof. (Dr.) V.N.P. Sinha & Prof. (Dr.) Ram Pravesh Yadav |
| About the Authors | Chief Editors l Prof. (Dr.) V.N.P. Sinha Ex-Prof. & Former Head and UGC Emeritus Fellow, University Department of Geography, Patna University, Patna Prof. Vishwa Nath Prasad Sinha is a distinguished geographer, scholar, and academic leader who served as the Head of the University Post-Graduate Department of Geography at Patna University, Patna. Born into a modest agriculturist family, he rose to great academic heights through perseverance, intellectual brilliance, and unwavering dedication to education. His inspiring journey from a rural village to one of the most respected academic positions in the state reflects his remarkable determination and commitment to scholarship. Throughout his career, he earned immense respect as an outstanding teacher, researcher, and administrator, and remained deeply admired by postgraduate students and Ph.D. scholars for his guidance, humility, and inspiring personality. Prof. Sinha was born on 15 August 1943 at a village Kolhua (Andhratharee Block) in the district of Madhubani. He spent his early childhood in his native village, where he began his primary education. His secondary education was completed at MRG H.E. School, Andhratharhi, where he consistently ranked among the top students. Demonstrating academic excellence from an early age, he pursued his Intermediate studies at R.K. College, Madhubani in 1960. With a strong aspiration for higher education, he moved to Patna and enrolled at B.N. College under Patna University. He completed his B.A. (Honours) in Geography in 1962 and obtained his M.A. in Geography from Patna University in 1964. Driven by a deep passion for research, he joined the University as a research scholar in 1965 and later earned his Ph.D. in 1974 on the topic "The Chotanagpur Plateau: A Study in Settlement Geography". His research displayed exceptional command over settlement geography, particularly the geographical characteristics of India's plateau regions. Prof. Sinha made remarkable contributions to geographical scholarship through his books and research publications. One of his significant academic achievements was editing the book "Dimension of Geography" (1984) in collaboration with Ram Bahadur Mandal. This work explored various dimensions of geography including geomorphology, environmental studies, agricultural and industrial geography, transportation and rural-urban development. His doctoral thesis was later published as a book titled "The Chotanagpur Plateau: A Study in Settlement Geography" in 1976 with financial assistance from the Indian Council of Social Science Research. In this work, he meticulously analyzed rural and urban settlement patterns using advanced statistical and cartographic techniques, providing valuable insights into settlement morphology and regional geography. He authored several other influential books, including Migration: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Geography of Bihar, Geography of North America, Jharkhand: Land and People, and Introduction to Settlement Geography (2013). These works reflect his profound interest in population migration, regional development, settlement patterns, and economic geography. His writings also highlighted the development potential of Bihar, emphasizing agro-industrial growth and the promotion of tourism in historically and culturally significant locations such as Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University, Rajgir, and Vaishali. Prof. Sinha began his teaching career in November 1967 as a Lecturer at Patna College. His academic excellence soon brought him international recognition, leading to teaching assignments at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana from 1976 to 1980 and later at the University of Nairobi in Kenya in 1980. After gaining valuable international exposure, he returned to India and continued his academic service at Patna University. In recognition of his academic achievements and research contributions, he was promoted to Reader and later to Professor in 1985. He also served as a UGC Emeritus Fellow from 2011 to 2013, during which he conducted an important research project on the sustainable development of rural settlements in flood-prone regions of North Bihar. Over the course of his illustrious career, Prof. Sinha supervised 33 Ph.D. scholars and published more than 50 research papers in reputed national and international journals. He served as the Head of the Department of Geography at Patna University from 2001 to 2003, where his visionary leadership strengthened the academic environment and research culture of the department. His scholarly work strongly emphasized the application of statistical and cartographic methods in geographical research and the sustainable development of rural settlements, particularly in flood-affected areas of North Bihar. Through his lifelong dedication to teaching, research, and academic leadership, Prof. Vishwa Nath Prasad Sinha made enduring contributions to geographical scholarship and higher education in India, leaving behind a rich intellectual legacy that continues to inspire generations of geographers and scholars. l Prof. (Dr.) Ram Pravesh Yadav Ex-Prof. & Former Head, Univ. Deptt. of Geography, BRA Bihar University, Muzaffarpur. Dr. Ram Pravesh Yadav is a distinguished geographer, scholar, and academic administrator who served as Professor and Head of the University Post-Graduate Department of Geography at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur. Born on 18 July 1958, Dr. Yadav devoted more than four decades of his life to teaching, research, and academic leadership in the discipline of geography. Through his dedication to scholarship and institutional development, he has made significant contributions to geographical studies, particularly in the context of Bihar and North India. Dr. Yadav completed his M.Sc. in Geography and later earned his Ph.D., establishing himself as a committed academician with a deep interest in regional geography, migration studies, environmental issues, and sustainable development. He began his academic career in 1982 when he was appointed as a Lecturer in Geography. Over the years, through consistent academic engagement, research contributions, and administrative competence, he rose through the ranks and eventually superannuated in 2023 as Professor of Geography from B.R.A. Bihar University, Muzaffarpur. Even after retirement, Dr. Yadav continues to remain actively engaged in academic and institutional responsibilities. He currently serves as the Lokpal of B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura and also works as the Coordinator of Geography at Nalanda Open University, Nalanda. In recognition of his scholarly reputation and leadership within the geographical community, he was unanimously elected as President-Elect of the Association of Geographers, Bihar and Jharkhand (AGBJ) during its 26th Annual Conference held at Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag. Throughout his career, Dr. Yadav actively participated in various academic training programmes and professional development courses. He attended orientation and refresher courses conducted under the University Grants Commission scheme at Patna University and B.R.A. Bihar University. In addition, he worked as Programme Officer in the Jharkhand Education Project at Ranchi from 1996 to 2003. He also received specialized training in Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems at the Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, reflecting his interest in modern geospatial technologies. Dr. Yadav has played an important role in guiding research scholars. Over the course of his academic career, he has supervised more than three dozen Ph.D. scholars and guided twenty-four M.Phil. dissertations, thereby contributing significantly to the growth of geographical research in the region. His academic engagement extends to national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops, where he has presented numerous research papers on themes such as migration, environmental degradation, rural development, water resource management, tourism development, and sustainable land-use patterns in Bihar and North-East India. A prolific writer and editor, Dr. Yadav has made valuable contributions to geographical literature. He has edited important books such as Out Migration: Patterns and Implications (2006), Quantitative Geomorphology (2019, Revised Edition), and Expanding Dimensions of Geography (2024). He has also contributed chapters to scholarly volumes, including works on sustainable development and fluvial geomorphology of the Burhi Gandak Basin in North Bihar. In addition, he served as editor of the research journal Dimensions of Geography (ISSN 2454-163X), which has published several academic issues since 2015. Dr. Yadav has authored and published numerous research papers in reputed journals, addressing critical geographical issues such as rural-urban migration, land-use change, agricultural diversification, flood management, eco-tourism, environmental degradation, and sustainable development in North Bihar. His research reflects a strong commitment to understanding regional problems and proposing practical geographical solutions. He is an active member of several professional geographical organizations and learned societies. He holds life membership in the National Association of Geographers India, the Association of Geographers Bihar and Jharkhand, the Indian National Cartographic Association, and the Mithila Association of Geographers. Through his teaching, research, publications, and institutional service, Dr. Ram Pravesh Yadav has made enduring contributions to the advancement of geographical scholarship and academic development in India. Associate Editors l Dr. Shailesh Kumar Sr. Assist.Professor and Head, Deptt. of Geography, Y. N. College, Dighwara, Jai Prakash University, Chapra. Dr. Shailesh Kumar, son of Sri Ramjee Prasad, was born on 23 January 1979 and resides in Danapur, Patna, Bihar. He is married, proficient in English and Hindi. He is currently serving as 'Senior Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Geography' at Yadunandan College, Dighwara (Jai Prakash University, Chapra) since December 2022. Earlier, he worked as Assistant Professor at H.D. Jain College, Ara (2019-2021), and S.V.P. College, Bhabua (2018-2019). Before entering higher education, he served as a faculty member at SER/MHSS/EM/CKP (2007-2018) and Sainik School, Nalanda (2006-2007), and was also selected as an officer in the Bihar Education Service (BPSC). Dr. Kumar currently serves as 'Programme Officer of NSS Unit-1' at Yadunandan College and acts as an examiner and question paper setter for several universities in Bihar. He has also worked as an observer in competitive examinations conducted by NTA, CBSE, and CET-BEd and has contributed to academic conferences as a reviewer, rapporteur, jury member, and co-chairperson. He has delivered invited lectures, training sessions, and talks on geography and social issues, including programs broadcast on 'All India Radio, Patna'. Academically, he holds a Ph.D. in Geography (2022) along with B.Ed., M.Ed., and M.Phil. degrees, and qualified UGC NET/JRF in Geography (2012) and Education (2013). Dr. Kumar is a life member of 'AGBJ, NAGI, and DGSI' and currently serves as Treasurer of AGBJ. He has published several research papers, authored the book 'Environmental Geography' (2025), supervises three Ph.D. scholars, and regularly presents research papers at national and international conferences. l Dr. Alpna Jyoti (Gold Medalist) Assistant Professor, Univ. P.G. Department of Geography, Jai Prakash University, Chapra. Dr. Alpna Jyoti is a devoted academician whose career is defined by intellectual rigor, pedagogical dedication, and a profound commitment to the advancement of Geography. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the University Post-Graduate Department of Geography at Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Dr. Jyoti's trajectory is a testament to sustained scholarly brilliance. Dr. Jyoti's foundation as an academic distinction and credentials is built upon a record of consistent excellence. A 'Gold Medalist' in her Master of Arts (Geography), she secured the "First Class First" position at B.R.A. Bihar University, specializing in Geomorphology. Her academic ascent continued with a Ph.D. in 2015 and the successful qualification of the UGC-NET in 2017. This pedigree of excellence was further solidified in 2025 when she was appointed through the prestigious Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC). Professional Trajectory and Pedagogy: Prior to her current tenure, Dr. Jyoti refined her pedagogical expertise through impactful roles at L.N. Mithila University (Marwari College) where she initiated her teaching career in 2019. In B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University where she served as a Guest Faculty in the Post-Graduate Department, strengthening her rapport with advanced research and higher education. Research, Authorship, and Editorial Leadership: Dr. Jyoti is a prolific contributor to geographical discourse, with nearly 18 research papers published in reputed national and international journals. Her scholarly depth is most notably captured in her 2020 treatise, Quantitative Geomorphology, and her specialized book chapters focusing on the fluvial dynamics of the Burhi Gandak Basin. Beyond authorship, she has played a pivotal role in academic publishing, serving in progressive editorial capacities-from Assistant to Editor-for the journal Dimensions of Geography. Her active engagement in over 18 seminars underscores her influence in fields ranging from water resource management to regional planning. Professional Affiliations: As a life member of elite bodies such as the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI), Association of Geographers, Bihar and Jharkhand (AGBJ), Mithila Association of Geographers, (MAG), Darbhanga and the Earth Science Review Society (ESRS), Dr. Alpna Jyoti continues to shape the future of geographical studies through a rare blend of empirical research and empathetic teaching. Joint Editors l Dr. Shiv Shankar Kumar Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Geography, R.L.S.Y. College, Bakhtiarpur, PatliPutra University, Patna. Dr.Shiv Shankar Kumar holds an M.A. (1991) and Ph.D. (1995) in Geography from Patna University, Patna, Bihar. He currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at R.L.S.Y. College, Bakhtiyarpur, under Patliputra University, Patna. Previously, he taught for 18 years at K.S.T. College, Bihar Sharif, Nalanda, engaging both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Dr. Kumar has contributed significantly to the discipline through peer-reviewed publications in reputed national journals and active participation in academic conferences. His research interests include geomorphology, terrain settlement geography, and the interaction between physical landscapes and human settlement systems in the Indian subcontinent. Committed to academic excellence, he remains actively involved in research, curriculum development, and mentoring future geographers. l Dr. Randhir Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, A.N. College, Patna, Patliputra University, Patna. Dr. Randhir Kumar is a dedicated academician and researcher in the field of Geography, known for his long-standing contribution to higher education, research, and academic administration. He completed his Post-Graduation in Geography in 1996 and earned his Ph.D. in 2003 from Magadh University under the guidance of the former Head of the Department of Geography, Dr. Manager Prasad. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to geographical studies and scholarly advancement. Currently, Dr. Kumar is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at A.N. College Patna, which is affiliated with Pataliputra University. He joined the institution on 27 January 2025 and is actively engaged in teaching and guiding students, fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence among them. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Kumar rendered nearly twenty-four years of dedicated service (2001-January 2025) as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Geography at Dhanraj Singh College Sikandra. During this extensive tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the academic environment of the department. In addition to his teaching and administrative responsibilities, he served as the Nodal Officer for All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for fourteen years, contributing to the systematic collection and management of institutional educational data. Beyond academia, Dr. Kumar has also contributed his expertise as a consultant with RAMtech Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd.. In this capacity, he participated in several important Remote Sensing and GIS-based projects. These included mapping and analysis related to the electric network of Deoghar District, work under the National Land Records Modernization Programme in Bhiwani District, and base map preparation for the towns of Bihar Sharif and Rajgir. Dr. Kumar has made notable scholarly contributions through publications in reputed national peer-reviewed journals and by actively participating in various academic conferences and seminars. His research interests encompass Remote Sensing and GIS, Geomorphology, Urban and Rural Planning, Population Geography, and Agricultural Geography. Deeply committed to academic excellence, he remains actively involved in research, curriculum development, and mentoring students, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of geographical studies. l Dr. Mukul Kumar, (Gold Medalist) Assistant Professor, Univ. P.G. Department of Geography, T.M. Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur. Dr. Mukul Kumar is a dedicated academic scholar in the field of Geography whose career reflects perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to teaching and research. His academic journey demonstrates steady progress from foundational education to advanced scholarly work, highlighting his passion for geographical studies and higher learning. He completed his matriculation in 2005 and soon developed a strong interest in Geography as his primary field of study. Following this interest, he pursued higher education and obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Geography in 2011. His undergraduate studies provided him with a firm academic foundation in key areas such as physical geography, human geography, and environmental studies, which later shaped his research orientation. Motivated by his passion for the subject, he continued his academic journey at the postgraduate level. He completed his Master of Arts in Geography during the session 2011-2013. His excellent academic performance earned him the prestigious 'Gold Medal', awarded to the university topper. This achievement reflects his dedication, intellectual ability, and commitment to academic excellence. After completing his postgraduate studies, Dr. Kumar pursued advanced research and was awarded the Ph.D. degree in 2019. His doctoral research, titled "A Geomorphic Study of Burhi Gandak Drainage Basin in Muzaffarpur District", examined the geomorphological characteristics of the Burhi Gandak river basin. The study focused on landforms, drainage patterns, and the natural processes influencing the region's landscape, thereby contributing meaningful insights to regional geographical research. Dr. Kumar has made notable contributions to scholarly research. He has published 15 research papers in reputed national and international journals, demonstrating his active engagement in academic discourse and his commitment to advancing geographical knowledge. Furthermore, he has participated in about 20 national and international seminars, where he presented his research and interacted with scholars and researchers from different institutions. In his teaching career, Dr. Kumar served as Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) in the Post Graduate Department of Geography at Kisan College Sohsarai, Nalanda, under Patliputra University, Patna, from October 2022 to January 2025. At present, he is working as an Assistant Professor in the University P.G. Department of Geography at T.M. Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur, where he continues to contribute to teaching, research, and the advancement of geographical education. He is also actively associated with professional academic bodies. He holds lifetime membership in 'AGBJ' and the 'Earth Science Review Society (ESRS)', reflecting his commitment to academic collaboration and professional development. He contributed to academic publishing as the Treasurer and Joint Editor of the journal Dimensions of Geography (Vol. 06, No. 1 & 2 combined, 2018-2019). l Dr. Archana Kumari Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, H.D. Jain College, Ara, VKS University, Ara, Bhojpur Dr. Archna Kumari is an accomplished geographer with a distinguished academic and research background. She secured the first position in her Post-Graduation in Geography from the prestigious Department of Geography, Rajendra College, Chapra, under Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Bihar, in 2007. She was subsequently awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geography from the same university in 2013. Dr. Kumari has made significant contributions to the field of geography through her active engagement in research and academic forums. She has presented ten research papers at various national and international conferences and seminars. In addition, she has published nine research articles in reputed national and international journals. She has also participated in several Orientation Programmes (Faculty Induction Programmes) and academic workshops sponsored by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Human Resource Development Centres (HRDC). She is a life member of several professional bodies, including the Association of Geographers, Bihar and Jharkhand (AGBJ), Patna; the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI), New Delhi; and the Indian National Cartographic Association (INCA), Hyderabad. Previously, Dr. Archna Kumari served as an Assistant Professor (Contractual) in the Department of Geography at S.S. Memorial College, Ranchi, and Ranchi Women's College, Ranchi, Jharkhand, both affiliated to Ranchi University, Jharkhand. At present, she is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, H.D. Jain College, Ara, affiliated to Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara, Bhojpur, Bihar. ******* |
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