Question

Which word is used for 'Indigenous People' in India? What percentage of the total population is their population?

Hint:

The term “Adivasi” highlights the identity of indigenous people in India. They form nearly one-twelfth of the total population.

Answer 1

In India, the term used for indigenous people is Scheduled Tribes (STs), who are also popularly called Adivasis. The word “Adivasi” literally means “original inhabitants” and refers to the tribal communities living in different parts of India.
Population Percentage:
- According to the Census of India, Scheduled Tribes constitute about 8.6\% of the total population of the country.
- They are mainly concentrated in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the North-Eastern states.
Significance:
- Adivasis are known for their distinct cultures, languages, traditions, and close association with forests and nature.
- Despite their significant share in India’s population, they remain socially and economically disadvantaged, which is why special constitutional safeguards are provided to them.
Conclusion:
Thus, the word “Adivasi” or “Scheduled Tribes” is used for indigenous people in India, and their share in the total population is about 8.6\%.