Domain of Ancient Indian Tribal Histories: Marginalization, Indigenization and Imagination

Abstract

This paper discusses a tribal communal representation mentioned in ancient literature. The main theme of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for tribal history in India. Tribes and tribal culture have been questioned in the academic arena. The harmonious relationship that forest dwellers have with nature and their socio-cultural traditions is valued. The basis of social structure was blood relations, and a man was identified by the clan to which he belonged. The term ‘Tribe’ has gone through a lot of changes. This means a political unit composed of several clans. Tribes in India are closely associated with a specific geographical area. Tribes are often named after the specific geographical region due to the permanent habitat gave a geographical identity to a tribe.