Question

Describe the characteristics of Tribal settlements in India.

Hint:

To describe tribal settlements, focus on their relationship with the environment. Their settlement pattern, building materials, and location are all strongly influenced by their natural surroundings and subsistence-based economy.

Answer 1

Tribal settlements in India, often located in remote areas like forests and hills, have distinct characteristics:
- Dispersed or Hamleted Pattern: Settlements are often scattered over a large area, consisting of small hamlets or individual homesteads rather than a single large village.
- Use of Local Materials: Dwellings are constructed using locally available materials such as wood, bamboo, mud, leaves, and thatch, reflecting a deep connection with the natural environment.
- Small in Size: The settlements are generally small, reflecting a community-based lifestyle and a subsistence economy.
- Close Proximity to Nature: They are typically located close to forests, water sources, or their agricultural lands (like shifting cultivation plots), which are central to their livelihood.