Tribes of Karnataka, Lists, PVTGs, Culture, Constitutional Safeguards

The Tribes of Karnataka are an important part of the state’s cultural and social heritage. Karnataka is home to several tribal communities that have preserved their unique traditions, languages, customs, and lifestyles for centuries. 

According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Tribes (STs) constitute 6.95% of Karnataka’s population, with more than 42 notified Scheduled Tribes residing across the state. 

Most tribal communities are concentrated in the Western Ghats, Mysuru region, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Uttara Kannada, Raichur, Ballari, and Kalaburagi districts.

Major Tribes of Karnataka

Karnataka is home to a diverse range of tribal communities, each with its own distinct culture, traditions, language, and livelihood practices. Some tribes continue to live in forested regions, while others have gradually integrated into mainstream society.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Karnataka

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are tribal communities identified by the Government of India as the most socio-economically disadvantaged sections among Scheduled Tribes. Karnataka has two recognised PVTGs, which receive focused assistance through special development programmes.

1. Koraga

• Mainly found in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
• Traditionally engaged in basket weaving and bamboo crafts.
• Face socio-economic challenges and require focused welfare measures.
• Benefit from education, housing, healthcare, and livelihood programmes.

2. Jenu Kuruba

• Mainly inhabit Kodagu, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar districts.
• Traditionally collect honey and other forest produce.
• Possess rich knowledge of forests and wildlife.
• Supported through rehabilitation, education, healthcare, and skill development initiatives.

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Culture and Traditions of the Tribes of Karnataka

The culture and traditions of the Tribes of Karnataka reflect a deep connection with nature, forests, and community life.

• Nature Worship: Many tribes worship forests, hills, rivers, trees, and ancestral spirits, considering nature sacred.
• Traditional Festivals: Festivals are celebrated to mark harvests, seasonal changes, and religious occasions with rituals, music, and community feasts.
• Folk Music and Dance: Tribal dances such as Dollu Kunitha, local folk performances, and traditional songs are performed during festivals and ceremonies.
• Traditional Dress: Men and women wear simple traditional attire adorned with beads, shells, bamboo ornaments, silver jewellery, and handmade accessories.
• Languages: Tribal communities speak their own dialects along with Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, and other regional languages.
• Food Habits: Their diet includes millets, rice, honey, forest fruits, roots, tubers, edible leaves, mushrooms, and locally grown vegetables.
• Traditional Medicine: Many tribes possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and herbal remedies, which are used for treating common ailments.
• Handicrafts: They are skilled in basket weaving, bamboo crafts, wood carving, mat weaving, pottery, and making household utility items.
• Community Living: Tribal societies emphasize collective decision-making, cooperation, and respect for village elders in resolving disputes and managing community affairs.

Constitutional Safeguards for the Tribes of Karnataka

The Constitutional Safeguards for the Tribes of Karnataka aim to protect the rights, identity, culture, and socio-economic interests of Scheduled Tribes while ensuring their equal participation in the country’s development.

• Article 14: Guarantees equality before law and equal protection of laws.
• Article 15(4): Permits the State to make special provisions for the educational and social advancement of Scheduled Tribes.
• Article 16(4): Provides reservation in public employment for Scheduled Tribes.
• Article 46: Directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Tribes and protect them from exploitation.
• Article 244: Deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and tribal areas.
• Article 275(1): Provides Central grants to states for tribal welfare and development.
• Article 330: Reserves seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha.
• Article 332: Provides reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in State Legislative Assemblies.
• Article 338A: Establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to safeguard tribal rights.
• Article 342: Empowers the President to notify Scheduled Tribes for each state and Union Territory.
• Fifth Schedule: Provides for the administration and protection of Scheduled Areas and tribal interests in applicable states.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognises the forest land and resource rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
• SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Protects Scheduled Tribes from discrimination, violence, and social atrocities through stringent legal provisions.

Government Schemes for Tribal Development in Karnataka

The Government Schemes for Tribal Development in Karnataka aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Tribes by promoting education, healthcare, livelihood, housing, infrastructure, and the preservation of tribal culture through initiatives of both the Central and Karnataka Governments.

• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Focuses on the holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through better housing, healthcare, education, roads, drinking water, and digital connectivity.
• Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST): Allocates dedicated funds for the welfare and socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Provides quality residential education to tribal students from Class VI to XII.
• Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes: Offer financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe students for school and higher education.
• National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students: Supports eligible tribal students pursuing higher studies abroad.
• Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs): Promote value addition, processing, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) to increase tribal incomes.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Recognises individual and community forest rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Improves infrastructure, livelihoods, education, healthcare, and basic services in tribal villages.
• Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): Ensures targeted allocation of funds for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka.
• Hostels for ST Students: Provides residential facilities to encourage higher enrolment and reduce school dropout rates.
• Skill Development and Livelihood Programmes: Offer vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities for tribal youth.