9 largest tribes of India, where can they be found and their unique cultural customs

India is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse indigenous populations, with more than 700 officially recognised Scheduled Tribes spread across its forests, hills, plains and islands. These communities are some of the country’s oldest living cultures, and these are shaped by deep connections to land, nature and collective memory. Sounds interesting right? These tribes stand out for their large populations as well as their enduring cultural influence. From the forest-dwelling Bhils of western India to the matrilineal Khasi society of Meghalaya, these tribal groups continue to preserve distinct languages, social systems, art forms and spiritual traditions despite centuries of change. And there’s no stopping them.


Here is a closer look at nine of India’s largest tribal communities, where they are found, and the unique cultural customs that define their way of life.

Bhil

The Bhils, found in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of Chhattisgarh, are India’s largest tribal group, spread across western and central India, especially along forested and hilly terrain. It’s interesting to note that Bhil culture is deeply connected to nature worship. Traditionally, local deities, forest spirits, and ancestors are worshiped rather than large temple-based gods. Did you know that Bhils were renowned warriors and hunters? Now you know. When it comes to culture, Bhils are known for their most distinctive art forms–Pithora painting. This is a ritualistic wall art created to invoke deities for prosperity and protection.

Gond

The Gonds are primarily from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. They once ruled large parts of central India through powerful Gond kingdoms before the Mughal period. If you visit the Gond villages in India, you will find that they still follow an elaborate system of clan totems, often linked to animals, plants, or natural elements. This shows that for the Gond people, nature is very important. It is seen as sacred, and many rituals revolve around forests, rivers, and hills.

Santhal

The Santhals are found in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam. They are prominent as one of eastern India’s most organised and culturally distinct tribal groups. The Santhal society is governed by a traditional village council headed by a Manjhi (village chief). Santhal dance, accompanied by drums like the tamak and tumda, is performed during festivals and agricultural cycles.

Meena

Found primarily in Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, and Karauli regions, the Meenas form the largest Scheduled Tribe population in Rajasthan. They traditionally practiced agriculture and served as warriors and administrators in pre-colonial Rajasthan. For the Meenas, clan identity is extremely important, and marriage within the same clan is strictly forbidden.

Oraon (Kurukh)

The Oraons are mostly from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. They stand out for their strong agricultural traditions and structured village life. Their unique cultural custom revolves around the worship of Dharmes, the supreme spirit, along with other nature deities. The Akhra, or the community dancing ground, is where most things happen, and where youth participate in traditional dances and courtship rituals. For the culturally-inclined travellers, this is an experience they shouldn’t miss.

Munda

Primarily from Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Chhattisgarh, the Munda tribe played a major role in tribal resistance movements during British rule. Their unique cultural customs follow the Khuntkatti system, a traditional form of collective land ownership tied to ancestry. Their religion, also part of the Sarna tradition, centres on sacred groves and ancestral spirits.

Bodo

The Bodis from Assam, particularly the Bodoland Territorial Region are the largest plains tribe of Northeast India. Their unique cultural customs revolve around agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. Their traditional faith, Bathou, worships nature, and Bwisagu festival marks the Bodo New Year and is celebrated with dances, songs, and community gatherings.

Ho

The Hos are primarily from Jharkhand and northern Odisha. For the Ho society, village unity and ancestral worship are some of the most important things in life. Traditional Ho dances are energetic and communal, and are mostly performed during harvest and marriage ceremonies.

Khasi

The Khasi, from the state of Meghalaya in Northeast India, are one of the world’s largest matrilineal tribal societies. Yes, you read that right. As per the custom, lineage and inheritance pass through the youngest daughter, known as the Khadduh, who becomes the custodian of family property once the parents are no longer around. Khasi spiritual life traditionally centres on Niam Khasi, an indigenous faith based on harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. Sacred forests hold a special place in the society and culture, and are strictly protected.