Scheduled Tribe of Meghalaya

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Scheduled 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.Scheduled Tribe of Meghalaya
  • Tribes 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.
  • Tribes 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 Scheduled Tribes in 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 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.
  • 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 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
  • 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 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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The Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya are a diverse group of people who have lived in the state for centuries. They are indigenous to the region and have their own unique cultures and traditions. The six major Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya are the Khasi, Garo, Jaintia, Chakma, Hajong, and Lalung.

The Khasi are the largest Scheduled Tribe in Meghalaya, making up about 50% of the state’s population. They are a matrilineal society, which means that property and inheritance are passed down through the female line. The Khasi are also known for their unique system of governance, which is based on a council of elders.

The Garo are the second largest Scheduled Tribe in Meghalaya, making up about 30% of the state’s population. They are a patriarchal society, which means that property and inheritance are passed down through the male line. The Garo are also known for their unique system of agriculture, which is based on shifting cultivation.

The Jaintia are the third largest Scheduled Tribe in Meghalaya, making up about 10% of the state’s population. They are a matrilineal society, like the Khasi. The Jaintia are also known for their unique system of religion, which is based on a belief in a supreme being called U Blei.

The Chakma are a Scheduled Tribe from Bangladesh who migrated to Meghalaya in the 19th century. They are a Buddhist people who speak the Chakma language. The Chakma are known for their unique system of agriculture, which is based on wet rice cultivation.

The Hajong are a Scheduled Tribe from Bangladesh who migrated to Meghalaya in the 19th century. They are a Hindu people who speak the Hajong language. The Hajong are known for their unique system of agriculture, which is based on dry rice cultivation.

The Lalung are a Scheduled Tribe from Assam who migrated to Meghalaya in the 19th century. They are animist people who speak the Lalung language. The Lalung are known for their unique system of religion, which is based on a belief in a supreme being called Singa Rong.

The Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya are a diverse group of people with a rich history and culture. They have made significant contributions to the state of Meghalaya and continue to play an important role in its development.

The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) is a self-governing body for the Garo people of Meghalaya. It was established in 1952 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The GHADC has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is responsible for a wide range of matters, including Education, health, agriculture, and land management.

The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) is a self-governing body for the Jaintia people of Meghalaya. It was established in 1952 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The JHADC has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is responsible for a wide range of matters, including education, health, agriculture, and land management.

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is a self-governing body for the Khasi people of Meghalaya. It was established in 1952 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The KHADC has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is responsible for a wide range of matters, including education, health, agriculture, and land management.

The North Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (NGHADC) is a self-governing body for the Garo people of the North Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It was established in 1952 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The NGHADC has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is responsible for a wide range of matters, including education, health, agriculture, and land management.

The South Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (SGADC) is a self-governing body for the Garo people of the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It was established in 1952 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The SGADC has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is responsible for a wide range of matters, including education, health, agriculture, and land management.

The West Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (WGADC) is a self-governing body for the Garo people of the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It was established in 1952 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The WGADC has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is responsible for a wide range of matters, including education, health, agriculture, and land management.

What is a scheduled tribe?

A scheduled tribe is a group of people who are indigenous to India and who have been traditionally regarded as being socially and economically backward. They are listed in the Indian Constitution as a group that is entitled to special protection and assistance from the government.

What are the benefits of being a scheduled tribe?

Scheduled tribes are entitled to a number of benefits from the government, including:

  • Preference in government jobs and education
  • Reservation in seats in Parliament and state legislatures
  • Special financial assistance for development
  • Protection from exploitation and discrimination

What are the challenges faced by scheduled tribes?

Scheduled tribes face a number of challenges, including:

  • POVERTY
  • Lack of education
  • Lack of access to healthcare
  • Discrimination
  • Violence

What can be done to help scheduled tribes?

There are a number of things that can be done to help scheduled tribes, including:

  • Providing them with access to education and healthcare
  • Creating EMPLOYMENT opportunities for them
  • Protecting them from exploitation and discrimination
  • Promoting their culture and traditions

What is the future of scheduled tribes?

The future of scheduled tribes is uncertain. However, there are a number of factors that could help to improve their situation, including:

What are some common misconceptions about scheduled tribes?

Some common misconceptions about scheduled tribes include:

  • They are all poor.
  • They are all uneducated.
  • They are all backward.
  • They are all violent.
  • They are all primitive.

These misconceptions are harmful because they can lead to discrimination and prejudice against scheduled tribes. It is important to remember that scheduled tribes are a diverse group of people with a rich culture and history.

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

  2. The capital of Meghalaya is:
    (A) Shillong
    (B) Tura
    (C) Jowai
    (D) Nongstoin

  3. The Official Language of Meghalaya is:
    (A) Khasi
    (B) Garo
    (C) English
    (D) Hindi

  4. Meghalaya is a state in:
    (A) North East India
    (B) South India
    (C) West India
    (D) East India

  5. The population of Meghalaya is:
    (A) 3 million
    (B) 4 million
    (C) 5 million
    (D) 6 million

  6. The literacy rate of Meghalaya is:
    (A) 80%
    (B) 90%
    (C) 100%
    (D) 120%

  7. The main religion of Meghalaya is:
    (A) Christianity
    (B) Hinduism
    (C) Islam
    (D) Sikhism

  8. The main crops of Meghalaya are:
    (A) Rice
    (B) Tea
    (C) Coffee
    (D) Rubber

  9. The main industries of Meghalaya are:
    (A) Tourism
    (B) Agriculture
    (C) Mining
    (D) Handicrafts

  10. The main tourist attractions of Meghalaya are:
    (A) Mawlynnong
    (B) Cherrapunji
    (C) Nokrek National Park
    (D) all of the above