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The Forgotten Culture of India

Updated: Aug 24, 2021


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India had always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its conventional arts and crafts. It is a country that enjoys a unique diaspora. Geographically, we are adorned by the great heights of Himalayas, to sprawling beaches, and dry terrains. But in the midst of all this, we carefully ignore some of the backbenchers of our population, the people who reside away from the comfort of materialism, and who thrive and build their lives amidst nature, the tribals of India. Here's a list of six unexplored Tribes of India:


1. Konyak Tribes

2. Khasi Tribes

3. Bhotiya Tribes

4. Siddi Tribes

5. Dropka Tribes

6. Kurumba Tribes



Location of the tribes with their roughly population
Tribes of India map



1. Konyak Tribe


Residing in the forest interiors of Nagaland, The Konyaks also known as the warrior tribe are an isolated ethnic group defined culturally by their headhunting practice and elaborate facial tattoos. A plethora of color unfolds when you visit the Naga villages; colorful shawls, jewelry, headgear, bags, and jackets with bright colors and tribal motifs are quite a sight to behold. The Konyaks are hospitable, warm-hearted, fond of merry-making and believe that human heads exuded a mystical force that would bring prosperity and benefit local crops and are considered to be the last tattooed headhunters of India.


Shubham mansigha tried to best portray the tribal culture of Nagaland in the Hornbill festival



2. Khasi Tribes

Know more about Khasi tribe dress and Khasi tribe festival:


Over the lofty green mountains, and beneath the juniper-colored canopies breathes the high-spirited society of the Khasi Tribe. Residing, among the clouds, on the Jaintia and the eponymous Khasi Hills of Meghalaya they are one of the earliest settlers of the subcontinent. One of “The Seven Huts’ of Khasi they are distinguished by being the only matrilineal society of India. Living a life filled with music, art, and dance the Khasi people are a colorful tribe. With a fashion of long hats, silver jewelry, and prismatic dresses they are kind and warm-hearted people welcoming tourists from all around the world into their homes, giving them a chance to experience their beautiful traditions and holistic culture.


Treesisters very well describes the unique culture of Khasi tribes of India



Indian Culture
Bhotiya tribes

Speaking the fascinating language of Rongba, this tribe of Shepherds is found in the various States of India, primarily Uttarakhand - which we presume has ideal weather to grow pot. Yes, the most interesting characteristic of the Bhotiya Tribal culture is the ritualistic use of marijuana - not for recreational but religious purposes. Hindu mythology and religious traditions have provided Bhotiyas with an interesting set of rituals. Lord Shiva’s association with Bhang, who uses it to keep the world safe from his anger, is a strong Bhotiya belief. Following Shiva’s example, this tribe offers Bhang at celebrations of Holi and Maha Shivaratri.


Check out Nomadic shoes blogs to know more about the unique culture of Uttarakhand



4. Siddi Tribes


Gujarat, known for its scenic beauty of mountain ranges, coastline beaches, and the Great Rann of Kutch is also home to one of the most unusual tribal communities in India, The Siddhis tribe. The Siddis of Gujarat are considered to be the lost gems of ancient Africa, hidden away in India. They don’t retain much of their African heritage, neither language nor history but are guardians of a rich and unique musical tradition that is truly a hidden jewel of Indian indigenous culture.


Tanayesh through his Shoestring travel blog intends to portray unique travel stories



5. Dropka Tribe


Legend has it that the Dropka also known as Bropka were the valiant soldiers of Alexander the Great, who got lost from their company. Tucked away in the Paradise of the Earth, Kashmir and the Land of High Passes, Ladakh, these dwellers form a few thousand head community that boasts having a rich culture and a traditional lifestyle. The artistic and evocative attire along with a subtle hint of simplicity brings out a sensational feeling of awe. A distinctive feature of the Bropka tribe is the importance given of flowers in their culture. Signifying purity and love, they can be seen virtually everywhere; around their homes on their motley headgears. Dropka community in Ladakh is a loving community and welcomes tourists and globetrotters with an open arm to witness their unique and eccentric culture.


Check out Theiffyexplorer's blog to know more about the Dropka Tribal culture



6. Kurumba Tribes


Kurumba Tribe in the Nilgiri Hills is one of the earliest known inhabitants of the Western ghats. Hunting and collecting forest produce being the two main means of living, the tribe lives very much in tune with Nature. While Kurumba men are hunters, cultivators, and gatherers, Kurumba women are traditionally body tattooists. Music, art, religious traditions, and rituals of the Kurumbas are fascinating but the most enthralling thing is their unusual beliefs in sorcery. Their powers are believed to be so effective that other tribes fear and respect them. Illness and death are deemed Kurumba-cast spells.


To know more about these unique communities of the Nilgiris, checkout Makeithappen.co.in

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1 Comment


Priya Kharmalki
Priya Kharmalki
Apr 04

The maps are inaccurate. There are three main tribes in Meghalaya. Khasi being one of them. What you're looking for here is the indigenous tribe of Meghalaya, Niam Tynrai.

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