SOCIO-CULTURAL PROFILE OF TRIBALS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

The concept of tribe varies from State to State or area to area depending upon local socio-economic conditions of particular community and the consequent inclusion of a particular group in the list of Scheduled Tribes or Scheduled Castes. Andhra Pradesh is the traditional home of nearly 33 tribal groups and most of these communities are found inhabiting in the border areas of Andhra Pradesh in the North and North-East. On the basis of geo-ethnic characteristics, the tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh can be divided into Gond-Kolam Region, Koya-Konda Reddi Region, Khond-Savara Region, Chenchu Region and Plain Areas, five geographical regions. The forest and hills form part of tribal life, culture and economy. Out of total geographical area of 2,75,068 Sq.kms. 58,358 Sq.kms (21.22%) is covered by forest in Andhra Pradesh. Several tribal communities have their own names for self-identification and they believe that popular names by which they are called are given to them by outsiders. The details of these nomenclatures form some of the tribal groups are as mentioned in the report. The tribal population in the State constitute 5.93% to the total population of the State. The details of tribe-wise population as per 1961, 1971 and 1981 census reports are given in the report. The various tribal communities of Andhra Pradesh can be divided into food gathering, pastoralism, shifting cultivation, Artisan and Industrial and Mining labour economic levels but this not watertight classification and evolutionary in progression. The report covered the 33 tribals brief ethnographic details. The Chenchus and Yanadis possess identical physical and social characteristics. Both the groups are black in complexion, medium in stature with wavy or curly hair. The Racha Koyas claim their descent from the legendry king Pagidida Raju and his wife Sammaka. Savaras are one of the important and ancient tribal groups living in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh.