Indian tribal performing arts in India is not a sphere which requires further novelty and expression to elucidate its profound charm and tribal existence in the country is known to have been since thousands of years, even before the advent of Aryans. Hence, it becomes pretty obvious that their indigenous culture has been rooted with passionate culture and tradition. Performing arts may not be the term which such men and women might use, but that was what they had imbibed themselves with as an essential past-time. Historically, it can be explained that tribal life in India was much laid-back, with relaxative moments making up each day. Tribal culture comprises dancing, dramatics, singing amidst utilization of musical instruments, where art of chiselling out refreshing artefacts was perhaps the order of the day. Tribal women in India were foremost and leading in such business in performing arts, including sometimes painting or sketching. The tribal society in India is a very close-knit one, with unity surviving in diversity.

Through common motives and aims of establishing an orchestrated society, performing arts in Indian tribal groups were done in a common platform in a clearing. This tradition is however still followed amongst some tribes, lurking within the depth of woods. Commercialisation and modernisation has paved way for tribesmen to move out into the wide world for gaining popularity. The immensely formulated manner in which such tribal performing arts work is done is one that fetches inspiration for cosmopolitan cities also. Be it while singing, while dancing, while enacting a theatrical performance or beating of united drums, tribals in India try to make a point every time.

Indian Tribal Dances
Known as `adivasis`, tribal dances are performed by the aboriginals of India and include Dhumsi Dance, Santhali Dance, Paravalli Kali Dance, Thavala Kali Dance, Kaadar Nritham, Elekkaradi Dance, Paniyar Kali, tribal dances of Andhra Pradesh, and so on. Womenfolk of Kaadar tribes of Kochi participate in Kaadar Nritham, and dance in a semicircle, known to be amongst the most sophisticated tribal dances of the nation. Practised by the local tribals of Palakkad District, Elelakkaradi Dance is a heroic dance which is performed by men, children and women. It involves dancing in rhythmic steps and portrays resistance of them against wild bears, done in Irular area. Paravalli Kali dance is performed by the tribals residing in Travancore consist of dances which are practised by joining shoulders and arms together, making a beautiful wavy movement.

Santhali Dance is a marvellous dance done by the Santhals of Eastern India and resembles the bamboo dance of Mizoram and Assam, portraying one`s emotions and feelings. Both men and women participate in the dance, which is practised in semi-circles or circles. Musical instruments like pipes, flutes, cymbals and drums are utilized to accompany this special dance. It is often dedicated to the forest deities and sometimes also performed as a manner of welcoming guests to their homes.

The exceedingly enriched and indigenous performing arts culture amongst Indian tribals is manifested by their successfully surviving tradition, battling against all odds of modernism. The positive point that can be mentioned here is that whatever has happened or occurred in tribal lives, Indian tribal performing arts has moved ahead in unison to capture million hearts even worldwide.