Relationship between Indian tribes and forests

SAIKAT K BASU

The relationship between Indian tribes (Indigenous communities of India) and forests is deeply interconnected, spiritual, and symbiotic—shaped by centuries of coexistence, ecological balance, and cultural identity. This bond goes far beyond mere dependency for resources; it forms a foundation of tribal life, belief systems, economic activities, and environmental stewardship.

The relationship between Indian tribes and their forest habitats has evolved significantly over centuries, shaped by cultural, ecological, colonial, and modern influences. Here’s a breakdown of how this relationship has changed over time:

Traditional Era: Symbiotic Relationship

Timeframe: Prehistoric to early medieval India

Spiritual and cultural connection: Forests were seen as sacred. Many tribes revered nature as part of their belief systems (e.g., worship of trees, rivers, and animals).

Sustainable living: Tribes practiced shifting cultivation, hunting, fishing, and gathering, without significantly degrading the environment.

Customary laws: Tribal communities managed forests with customary rules and taboos, which often helped preserve biodiversity.

Example: The Baiga tribe of central India refused to plough the earth, seeing it as a mother figure.

Colonial Period: Disruption and Alienation

Timeframe: 18th to mid-20th century (British rule)

Forest laws introduced: The British government enacted the Indian Forest Act (1865, 1878, 1927), declaring large tracts of forests as state property.

Loss of access: Tribes were evicted or severely restricted from using the forests for subsistence, leading to conflicts and rebellions.

Exploitation of resources: Forests were commercialized for timber, especially teak and sal, disrupting ecological balance and tribal livelihoods.

Notable Rebellion: The Santhal Rebellion (1855–56) was partly a response to forest exploitation and displacement.

Post-Independence India: Legal Recognition and Struggles

Timeframe: 1947–1990s

Initial neglect: Development projects like dams, mining, and deforestation continued to displace tribal populations.

Scheduled Tribes status: Tribes were recognized in the Constitution, but forest rights were not clearly defined.

Resistance movements: Tribes led several ecological movements (e.g., Chipko Movement, Narmada BachaoAndolan) demanding land and forest rights.

 Contemporary Period: Rights and Conservation Tensions

Timeframe: 2000s–Present

Legal empowerment: The Forest Rights Act (2006) was a landmark law recognizing the rights of forest-dwelling communities to access and manage forest resources.

Community Forest Rights: Some tribes now legally manage parts of forests, practicing conservation-friendly livelihoods.

Ongoing challenges:

Evictions in the name of wildlife conservation.

Conflict with industrial projects (e.g., mining).

Bureaucratic hurdles in implementing forest rights.

Example: The Dongria Kondh tribe successfully resisted mining in Odisha’s Niyamgiri Hills, citing religious and environmental grounds.

Current Trends

Ecotourism and forest-based livelihoods are emerging as sustainable alternatives.

Youth from tribal communities are increasingly educated and advocating for forest and land rights.

Digital activism has helped amplify tribal voices on issues like deforestation and displacement.