Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya

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Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya

  • Based on 2011 Census total popultaion of India is 121.08 Crore out of which ST Population is 10.45 Crore (8.6%) .
  • The tribal communities in India are enormously diverse and heterogeneous. There are wide ranging diversities among them in respect of languages spoken, size of population and mode of livelihood.
  • The number of communities that find their place in the list of the Schedule of the Indian constitution is reflective of this diversity. The Government of India, in its Draft National Tribal Policy, 2006 records 698 Scheduled Tribes in India.
  • As per the Census Of India 2011, the number of individual groups notified as Scheduled Tribes is 705.
  • Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya represent the inhabitants of Meghalaya who reside in the foothills as well as within the mountain ranges of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia.
  • The origin of these tribes can be traced from the Tibeto-Burman race and Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race. While the Garos can be traced as the descendents of Tibeto-Burman race, the Khasis and the Jaintias are claimed to have belonged to the Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race.
  • Along with this there are a number of tribes like the Bhois, Khynriams and the Wars who reside in the northern, southern and central parts of Meghalaya.
  • Largely the tribal groups follow Christianity though the state follows all the 3 religions namely Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism as well as Christianity.
  • Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya are distinctly marked for their social structure. The traditional dress of Meghalaya is known as ‘Jymphong’ which is often worn during the festivals and ceremonies.
  • The tribal Society of Meghalaya primarily depends on subsistence agriculture.

In According to 2011 Census and Ministry of Tribal Affiars Reports the Tribal Polpulation of Meghalaya

Total Population of Meghalaya

 

29,66,889
Total Population of ST in Meghalaya

 

25,55,861
Percentage of ST population on Meghalaya

 

86.1
% STs in the State to total ST population in India

 

2.4
Sex Ratio in STs (Gender Composition of Scheduled Tribe Population)1013
Literacy Rates of ST Population in State74.4%

 

Total Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya that included in Constiturional List of Scheduled tribe by Government of India through President order with Name like

 

  1. Chakma
  2. Dimasa, Kachari
  3. Garo
  4. Hajong
  5. Hmar
  6. Khasi, Jaintia, Synteng, Pnar, War,
  7. Bhoi, Lyngngam
  8. Any Kuki tribes, including:-
    1. Biate, Biete
    2. Changsan
    3. Chongloi
    4. Doungel
    5. Gamalhou
    6. Gangte
    7. Guite
    8. Hanneng
    9. Haokip, Haupit
    10. Haolai
    11. Hengna
    12. Hongsungh
    13. Hrangkhwal, Rangkhol
    14. Jongbe
    15. Khawchung
    16. Khawathlang, Khothalong
    17. Khelma
    18. Kholhou
    19. Kipgen
    20. Kuki
    21. Lengthang
    22. Lhangum
    23. Lhoujem
    24. Lhouvun
    25. Lupheng
    26. Mangjel
    27. Misao
    28. Riang
    29. Sairhem
    30. Selnam
    31. Singson
    32. Sitlhou
    33. Sukte
    34. Thado
    35. Thangngeu
    36. Uibuh
    37. Vaiphei
  9. Lakher
  10. Man (Tai Speaking)
  11. Any Mizo (Lushai) tribes
  12. Mikir
  13. Any Naga tribes
  14. Pawi
  15. Synteng
  16. Boro Kacharis
  17. Koch
  18. Raba, Rava

 

State  List of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

PVTGs, currently including 75 tribal groups, have been identified as such on the basis of the following criteria:

  1. forest-dependent livelihoods,
  2. pre-agricultural level of existence,
  3. stagnant or declining population,
  4. low literacy rates
  5. a subsistence-based economy.

As currently there is no tribal group included in this list.

Sixth Scheduled of Consstitution which govern these tribes

The original Sixth Schedule areas created in 1952 underwent a drastic reorganization in 1971; some areas were put under newly created States such as Mizoram and Meghalaya which were carved out of the erstwhile Assam State. The Sixth Schedule (ARTICLE 244 (2) and 275 (1)) provides for administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram through Autonomous District and Regional Councils endowed with legislative, judicial, and executive powers.

The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 (2) provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADC) in an Autonomous District and Regional Councils for autonomous regions. These Councils have legislative powers on matters relating to:

  • allotment, occupation, or the setting apart of land, other than reserved forests, for the purpose of agricultural or grazing or for residential or other non-agricultural purposes or for any other purpose likely to promote the interests of the inhabitants of any village or town (Provided that nothing in such laws shall prevent the compulsory acquisition of any land, whether occupied or unoccupied for public purpose)
  • management of any forest not being a Reserved Forest
  • use of any canal or water course for purpose of agriculture
  • regulation of the practice of jhum or any other form of shifting cultivation
  • establishment of village or town committees or Councils and their powers
  • any other matter relating to village or town administration, including village and town police, public Health and sanitation
  • appointment of SUCCESSION of chiefs or headmen
  • inheritance of property
  • marriage and divorce
  • social custom
  • The entire State of Meghalaya except Shillong area is covered under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Meghalaya has three Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. These are –
  1. Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC),
  2. Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC),
  3. and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).

 

Major Tribal Group of Meghalaya

Garo Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya:

  • The Garos are mainly distributed over the Kamrup, Goalpara and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam, Garo Hills and few in Khasi Hills in Meghalaya and Dimapur (Nagaland State), substantial numbers, about 200,000 are found in greater Mymens ingh ( Tangail, Jamalpur, Sherpore, Netrakona, Mymensingh) and capital Dhaka, Gazipur, Sirajgonj, Rangpur, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Moulovibazar districts of Bangladesh. It is estimated that total Garo population in India and Bangladesh together is about 1 million.
  • They originally belong to the Bodo family from the Tibetan-Burmese race; also reside in the plains of Assam and Bangladesh.Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya
  • The Garo language belongs to the Bodo–Garo branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family.
  • The Garos are one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world. The individuals take their clan titles from their mothers. Traditionally, the youngest daughter (nokmechik) inherits the property from her mother. Sons leave the parents’ house at puberty, and are trained in the village bachelor dormitory (nokpante). After getting married, the man lives in his wife’s house. Garos are only a matrilinear society, but not matriarchal. While the property is owned by Women, the men govern the society and domestic affairs and manage the property. This provides security to Garo women.
  • Like other tribes in Meghalaya these tribes too follow maternal lineage in case of inheritance of property and enjoy all kind of vegetarian well as non-vegetarian food in case of regional delicacies.
  • The Garos rely on nature, their profession is hunting and warrior known as They practice jhum cultivation which is the most common agricultural tradition.
  • The most popular food of the Garo tribes is rice with capsicum, onion and salt.
  • Garo literature mainly transferred from generation to generation and one place to another orally. Most of the oral tradition now become the element of Garo literature
  • Greatest among Garo festivals is the Wangala, usually celebrated in October or November, is thanksgiving after harvest in which Saljong, the god who provides mankind with Nature’s bounties and ensures their prosperity, is honor.

Khasi Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya:

  • According to the 2011 Census of India, over 1.72 million Khasi lived in Meghalaya in the districts of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills. In Assam, their population reached 35,000.
  • They are the largest tribal group of North eastern region. Khasis are known with a number of names in different parts of Meghalaya.
  • The Khasi people of the War sub-tribe designed and built the famous living root bridgesof the Cherrapunji.Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya
  • As a religion they follow Christianity (85%), Ka Niam Khasi (10%), Hinduism (3%), and Islam (2%)
  • The Khasis are, for the most part, Their social organisation does not favour other forms of marriage; therefore, deviation from this norm is quite rare. Young men and women are permitted considerable freedom in the choice of mates. Potential marriage partners are likely to have been acquainted before betrothal.
  • The traditional political structure of the Khasi community was democratic in nature. The Khasis consisted of ‘native states’ which would congregate during dorbars or sessions and come to a decision regarding any dispute or problems that would arise in the community much like the Panchayati Raj prevalent in most Indian States

Jaintia Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya :

  • Jaintias too reside in the foot hills of Jaintia Hills from where they collect their name.
  • These are a type of Khasi tribe which further includes Bhoi in the northern Meghalaya; Khynriam in the central Meghalaya; Pnar of the Jaintia hills; War in the southern Meghalaya.
  • Achiks are another group of Garo tribes who comprise one third of Meghalaya’s tribal community.

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Here are some frequently asked questions about the Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya:

  1. What are the Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya?
    The Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya are the following:
  2. Khasi
  3. Jaintia
  4. Garo
  5. Chakma
  6. Hajong
  7. Lalung
  8. Mikir
  9. Pnar
  10. Synteng

  11. War

  12. What are the characteristics of the Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya?
    The Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya are characterized by the following:

  13. They are indigenous peoples of Meghalaya.
  14. They have their own unique cultures and languages.
  15. They are often marginalized and discriminated against.

  16. They have a strong sense of community and identity.

  17. What are the challenges faced by the Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya?
    The Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya face the following challenges:

  18. POVERTY
  19. Lack of Education
  20. Lack of healthcare
  21. Lack of EMPLOYMENT opportunities
  22. Discrimination

  23. Violence

  24. What are the efforts being made to improve the lives of the Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya?
    The following efforts are being made to improve the lives of the Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya:

  25. Providing education and healthcare
  26. Creating employment opportunities
  27. Promoting their culture and languages
  28. Protecting their rights

  29. Combating discrimination and violence

  30. What can you do to help the Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya?
    You can help the Schedule Tribes of Meghalaya by the following:

  31. Raising awareness about their situation
  32. Supporting organizations that work with them
  33. Donating to Charities that support them
  34. Volunteering your time to help them
  35. Voting for candidates who support their rights

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Sure. Here are some MCQs about the Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya:

  1. Which of the following is not a Schedule Tribe of Meghalaya?
    (A) Khasi
    (B) Garo
    (C) Jaintia
    (D) Mikir

  2. The Khasi people are known for their matrilineal system, which means that property and titles are passed down through the female line. True or False?

  3. The Garo people are known for their colorful traditional dress and their unique dance called the Jaapi. True or False?

  4. The Jaintia people are known for their beautiful handicrafts, such as woodcarving and metalwork. True or False?

  5. The Mikir people are known for their traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle. True or False?

  6. The total population of Schedule Tribes in Meghalaya is about 2.7 million. True or False?

  7. The majority of Schedule Tribes in Meghalaya live in rural areas. True or False?

  8. The main occupation of Schedule Tribes in Meghalaya is agriculture. True or False?

  9. The literacy rate among Schedule Tribes in Meghalaya is about 60%. True or False?

  10. The life expectancy of Schedule Tribes in Meghalaya is about 65 years. True or False?

Answers:
1. (D)
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. False (The literacy rate among Schedule Tribes in Meghalaya is about 50%).
10. True