Ralph Linton the legendary and respected anthropologist of mid-20th century has given a definition of the term `Tribe`. According to him a `tribe is group of bands occupying a contiguous territory or territories having a feeling of unity deriving from numerous similarities in culture, frequent contacts and a certain community of interests`. Others refer to the tribal society of India as an imperfect segment of the Hindus. Indian tribal society can be underlined as a social group with strict territorial affiliation, possessing characteristics of endogamy, with no specialisation of functions ruled by tribal officers hereditary or otherwise, united in language or dialect recognising social distance with other tribes.
An enormous section of Indian tribal societal population depends on agriculture as their sole way for survival. Some of the agricultural tribes are: Oraons, Mundas, Bhils, Santhals, Baigas, and Hos. The Toda tribe serve as a fabulous illustration of pastoral economy. Their social and economic organisation almost always revolves around buffaloes. They obtain their living through exchange. In some parts of India tribal people are engaged in shifting cultivation. It is known by different names, like, Nagas refer to it as Jhum, Bhuiyas call it Dahi and Koman, Maria of Bastar refer to it as Penda, Khond refer to it as Podu and Saiga call it Bewar. Many auxiliary occupations, like handicrafts are undertaken in various tribal societies of India. These include basket-making, spinning and weaving. For example, the Tharu tribe depends upon furniture making, manufacturing musical instruments, weapons, ropes and mats. The Korw and Agaria tribes are well known iron-smelters producing tools for local use.
Characteristically too Indian tribal society possess their own set of languages, which are unwritten. Hence the degree of communication both in time and space is predictably narrow. At the same time tribal societies demonstrate an outstanding economy of design and have a compactness and self-sufficiency surprisingly lacking in modern city society. According to Indian aboriginal traditions, the tribal societies inhabit and remain within a definitive and common topography. Members of a tribe possess an awareness of mutual unity. The members of a tribe always speak a common language.
These members generally marry within their own group, but now due to heightened contact with outsiders there are instances of tribals tying the knot outside as well. A typical Indian tribal societal group believe in ties of blood relationship amongst its members. They have faith in their having descended from a common, real or mythical, forerunner and thus believe in blood relationships with other members. Tribes follow their own political organisation which preserves eternal harmony. Religion is of supreme importance in an Indian tribal society. A tribal political and social organisation is always based upon religion, because they are granted religious sanctity and appreciation. When speaking of Indian tribal society, their variety and usage of novelty in every dance they perform is absolutely one of ecstasy, one of bliss.
