Jul 17, 2025
One of the most isolated tribes in India, the Cholanaikkans live deep in the Nilambur forests. They speak a rare dialect, avoid modern contact, and survive by foraging and hunting.
Source: Google Images
Living near the Bhutan border in Totopara, this tribe has distinct Mongoloid features and their own language. They have rigid marriage customs and are known for their strong community bonds.
Source: Google Images
A nomadic, pastoral Muslim tribe, the Van Gujjars migrate seasonally with their buffalo herds. They live sustainably in forest areas and follow a strict vegetarian lifestyle.
Source: Google Images
Known for their eco spiritual beliefs and rice beer making skills, the Rabhas practice animism mixed with Hinduism. Their dance forms and bamboo crafts are vibrant and culturally rich.
Source: Google Images
Of African descent, the Siddis are believed to be descendants of Bantu people brought by Portuguese merchants. They’ve blended Indian traditions with Afro heritage, especially in music and martial arts.
Source: Google Images
The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Sikkim, known for their deep reverence for nature. They have their own language, script, and a belief system rooted in mountain spirits.
Source: Google Images
Inhabiting the Niyamgiri Hills, the Dongria Kondhs are fierce protectors of forests and rivers. Their lifestyle is deeply animistic, and they gained global attention for resisting bauxite mining.
Source: Google Images
The Kolams are a minor tribal group known for their unique grain-based rituals and oral storytelling traditions. They once practiced shifting cultivation and have their own distinct language and spiritual customs linked to nature.
Source: Google Images
8 Indian Temples with Mysterious Scientific Architecture