India is home to over 645 tribal communities, known as Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution. These groups represent diverse cultures, languages and traditional practices, forming 8.6% of India’s population as per Census 2011.

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• Tribes defined as social groups linked by shared culture, ties, dialect
• 645+ tribes listed under Schedule 5 of the Constitution
• Major tribes include Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, Oraons, Mizos, Nagas
• States with most STs: MP, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat
• ST population highest (proportionally) in Lakshadweep and Mizoram
• No Scheduled Tribes in Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, Puducherry, Haryana
• 47 Lok Sabha seats reserved for STs under Article 330
• Article 342 empowers President to notify STs for each state/UT
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs (1999) is nodal body for ST development
• NCST (Article 338A) monitors safeguards and welfare of ST communities