Tribes of Uttarakhand, Traditions, Livelihoods, Distribution

Uttarakhand, known as the “Land of the Gods”, has a rich tribal heritage shaped by its Himalayan ecology, traditional livelihoods and unique cultural practices. According to the Census 2011, Scheduled Tribes form around 2.89% of the state’s population. They mainly live in the Terai-Bhabar region and Himalayan border areas and have unique cultural traditions and livelihood practices.

Major Tribes of Uttarakhand

The major tribal communities of Uttarakhand include Bhotia, Jaunsari, Tharu, Buksa and Raji. 

Jaunsari Tribe

The Jaunsari tribe is one of the prominent tribal communities of Uttarakhand, mainly inhabiting the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district.

• They are also found in parts of Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal districts.
• Mahasu Devta is the principal deity, whose temple at Hanol is an important cultural and religious centre of the Jaunsar-Bawar region.
• Traditionally, they practised fraternal polyandry, where brothers shared a common wife, though the practice has declined significantly.
• Their traditional social institution is known as the Khat system, which functions as a community-based decision-making mechanism.
• Agriculture, animal husbandry and forest-based activities are important sources of livelihood.
• The community is known for its rich folk traditions, including Barada Nati dance performed during local festivals.

Tharu Tribe

The Tharu are among the largest tribal communities of Uttarakhand and mainly inhabit the Terai region.

• They are concentrated in districts such as Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal.
• Traditionally, they are an agricultural community dependent on fertile Terai lands.
• A distinctive social custom is the Badla marriage system, an exchange marriage in which a brother and sister from one family marry a sister and brother from another family, strengthening kinship ties and reducing marriage-related expenses.
• Major festivals celebrated by the community include Diwali, Dussehra and Janmashtami.
• They face challenges related to land rights, displacement and socio-economic development.

Buksa (Bhoksa) Tribe

The Buksa tribe mainly resides in the Terai and Bhabar regions of Uttarakhand. It is recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Uttarakhand. 

• They are found mainly in Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal and Haridwar districts.
• Traditionally associated with hunting and forest-based activities, they are now primarily engaged in agriculture.
• They have a traditional community institution called the Biradari Panchayat, which helps resolve social disputes.
• The community traditionally follows endogamy, with marriages generally taking place within the tribe.
• Rice, wheat and maize cultivation are important economic activities.
• Issues such as land alienation, poverty and limited access to education remain major concerns.

Bhotia Tribe

The Bhotia tribe represents the Himalayan tribal communities living in the high-altitude border regions of Uttarakhand. Different Bhotia groups include the Marcha, Tolcha and Johari, inhabiting different Himalayan valleys.

• They inhabit areas of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Almora districts near the Tibet border.
• Traditionally, they practised transhumance, involving seasonal migration between high-altitude summer settlements and lower winter settlements.
• Before the closure of the India-Tibet border after 1962, they were involved in trans-Himalayan trade.
• They are known for wool-based handicrafts, especially Bhotia carpets (Bhotia Dann).
• They worship Nanda Devi, along with local deities. 
• Important cultural festivals include Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Kandali festival.

Raji Tribe 

The Raji are the smallest tribal community of Uttarakhand and are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

• They are mainly found in Pithoragarh and Champawat districts near the India-Nepal border.
• They are also known by names such as Van Raji, Van Rawat and Banraut. 
• They are also known as the “Kings of the Forest” because of their traditional dependence on forests. 
• Historically, they followed a forest-dependent hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
• At present, many have shifted towards subsistence agriculture and wage labour.
• Due to their small population, geographical isolation and socio-economic vulnerability, they were classified as a PVTG in 1975.

Government Initiatives for Tribal Development

The government has adopted constitutional, institutional and welfare measures for the socio-economic development and cultural preservation of tribal communities.

• Tribal Welfare Department, Uttarakhand: Implements schemes related to education, healthcare, livelihood and infrastructure development for tribal communities.
• Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Uttarakhand: Promotes tribal research, documentation and preservation of cultural heritage.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Provides quality education to tribal students, especially in remote areas.
• Van Dhan Vikas Yojana: Supports tribal livelihoods through value addition and marketing of forest-based products.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): Focuses on integrated development of tribal villages through improved basic facilities.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognises the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities over traditional forest resources.
• Constitutional safeguards: Articles 15(4), 16(4), 46, 244, 275(1) and 342 provide protection, reservation and welfare measures for Scheduled Tribes.
• National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Article 338A): Monitors implementation of tribal safeguards and protects tribal rights.

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