Chapter 3

DEMOGRAPHY OF TRIBES
AND STUDY AREA

3.1 TRIBES: MEANING, DEFINITION & CHARACTERISTICS

There is a considerable debate over how best to characterize

tribes. Anthropological literature characterizes a tribe as: (a) habitat in
hilly or hill clad areas and forest or forest clad areas; (b) isolated or
semi-isolated from the wider community; (c) having economic self-
sufficiency, i.e., subsistence economy, with no surplus production; (d)
backward technology; (e) lack of division of labour; (f) having
mechanical solidarity; (g) economic exchange based on reciprocity or
on barter; (h) political autonomy or having their own political system; (i)
egalitarian values; (j) having their own religious faith in animism,
animatism, naturism, totemism or magic and witch-craft; and finally (k) a
sense of belongingness to the community. However, the above
characteristics are labeled as colonial construction of tribes and the
situation has changed if not drastically, then at least within the structure
itself. Changes have been attributed by different scholars mainly
pertaining to culture contact. Contact with outsiders prevailed since
long, but it was not of exploitative nature.

In the Dictionary of Sociology by Bhushan (1989) it has been

stated that it is a special group in which there are many clans, nomadic,
bands, village or other subgroups which usually have a definite
geographical area, separate language, a singular and distinct culture
and either a common political organization or at least a feeling of
common determination against strangers.

54
 As per Madan and Majumdar (1970) the Tribe or Adivasis in
Indian context, are the variegated ethnic diversities distributed in the
hilly and forested areas as well as in the remote inaccessible plateaus.
The concept of tribe emerged in India with the coming of the British. In
modern Indian languages, new words like Vanyajati, Vanvasi, Adimjati,
Adivasi, Anusuchit Janjati have been coined to designate the people
called as Tribe. The term Tribe is derived from the Latin word Tribus
earlier. Romans used this term to designate the divisions in the society.
Tribal life styles are changing fast. Thus the dynamic aspect of the
situation assumes tremendous importance; concepts like sanskritization
and tribalization need a relook.

Tribals in India have an important place. They are among the

most backward people in the country. These people are known by
various names. Some anthropologists used the term aborigines for
these people. Some called them primitive tribes, hill tribes, jungle
people, forest tribes or folk. Ghurye (1963) called them so called forest
tribes or backward Hindus. Later on he himself proposed the term
scheduled tribes for those people, which were accepted under section
342 of the Indian Constitution.

The term ‘Tribes’ was first used by the British Census officials –
cum-anthropologists for the purposes of enumerating social groups in
India. In the eighteenth century the term caste had often been used
synonymously with the term tribe. Later on, it was used to differentiate
certain social groups from the Hindus caste.

3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIBES

Hasnain (1987) says that looking at the physical map of India

and the distribution of tribal population we find that both geography and

55
demography permit regional grouping and zonal classification of Indian
tribes and has classified and put Indian tribes into three zones:

(i) The north and northeastern zone

(ii) The central and middle zone
(iii) The southern zone

As for the geographical distribution, in India the tribal population

is divided into four major zones. These are:

(i) Himalayan Region;

(ii) Central India;
(iii) Western India; and
(iv) Southern India with Coastal Islands.

In the above sense, the following characteristics of the tribe are

evident from its various definitions (i) Definite common Topography (ii)
Consciousness of unity (iii) Common language (iv) Endogamous group
(v) Ties of blood relationship (vi) Need for protection (vii) Political
organization (viii) Importance of religion (ix) Common name (x)
Common cultures (xi) Organization of clans.

3.3 THE SCHEDULED TRIBES

The Government of India Act 1935 used the term ‘Backward

Tribes’. The Indian Constitution 1950 has retained the terminology of
1935 Act, with a slight alteration using ‘Scheduled’ instead of
‘Backward’. Article 342 and 342-A of the Indian Constitution empowers
the President to specify certain groups as ‘Scheduled Tribes’. Article
366 (25) of the Constitution has defined Scheduled Tribes as such
tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or
tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled
Tribes for the purpose of Constitution of India.

56
 Thus in the present context a tribe in India is a category of
people, included in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

3.4 THE MAJOR TRIBES

As mentioned on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs website, there are

533 tribes (with many overlapping types in more than one State) as per
notified Schedule under Article 342 of the Constitution of India in
different States and Union Territories of the country. Some of the major
tribes of different States are presented in Table 3.1.

3.5 POPULATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCHEDULED TRIBES

The Tribals settled down in India in prehistoric times, inhabiting

mostly the sparsely populated tracts of hills and forests of the sub-
Himalayan and North Eastern regions, in the mountain belts of central
India between ‘Narmada’ and ‘Godavari’ rivers and in the southern
parts of the western ghats extending from ‘Wynad’ to ‘Kanyakumari’.
The tribes living in different parts of India belong to various racial,
linguistic, economic, social and religious categories. The tribal areas
are mostly technologically and educationally backward.

As per the 2001 Census of India, the All India Scheduled Tribe
population stood at 8,43,26,240 out of which 4,26,40,829 are male and
4,16,85,411 female. Statewise population is shown in Table 3.2. A
map depicting percentage distribution of Tribal population at all India
level is also annexed (Map 1).

The scheduled tribe population in urban areas is a meagre 2.4%.

Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand,

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 Table 3.1: Major Scheduled Tribes in various
States/Union Territories (2001)

NAME OF STATE/ NAME OF THE SCHEDULED TRIBE

UNION TERRITORY
Andhra Pradesh Bhil, Chenchu, Gond, Kondas, Lambadis, Sugalis
etc.
Assam Boro, Kachari, Mikir (Karbi), Lalung, Rabha,
Dimasa, Hmar, Hajong etc
Bihar & (Jharkhand) Asur, Banjara, Birhor, Korwa, Munda, Oraon,
Santhal etc.
Gujarat Bhil, Dhodia, Gond, Siddi, Bordia, etc
Himachal Padesh Gaddi, Gujjar, Lahuala, Swangla, etc.
Karnataka: Bhil, Chenchu, Gond, Kuruba, Kammara, Kolis,
Koya,Mayaka, Toda, etc.
Kerala Adiyam, Kammrar, Kondkappus, Malais,
Palliyar,etc
Madhya Pradesh & Bhil, Birhor, Damar, Gond, Kharia, Majhi, Munda,
Chhatisgarh: Oraon, Parahi, etc.
Maharashtra Bhil, Bhunjia, Chodhara, Dhodia, Gond, Kharia,
Nayaka, Oraon, Pardhi, Rathwa etc.
Meghalaya Garo, Khasi, Jayantia, etc.
Orissa Birhor, Gond, Juang, khond, korua, Mundari,
Oraon, Santhal, Tharua, etc.
Rajasthan Bhil, Damor, Garasta, Meena, Salariya etc.
Tamilnadu Irular, Kammara, Kondakapus, Kota,
Mahamalasar, Palleyan,Toda etc.
Tripura Chakma, Garo, Khasi, Kuki, Lusai, Liang, Santhal
etc
West Bengal Asur, Birhor, Korwa, Lepcha, Munda, Santhal,
Mizoram Lusai, Kuki, Garo, Khasi, Jayantia, Mikir etc.
Arunachal Pradesh Dafla, Khampti, Singpho etc.
Goa Dhodi, Siddi (Nayaka)
Daman & Diu Dhodi, Mikkada, Varti, etc
Andaman & Nicobar Jarawa, Nicobarese, Onges, Sentinelese,
Islands Shompens, Great Andamanese
Dadra & Nagar Haveli As in Daman & Diu

Uttar Pradesh & Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Tharu, Raji

Uttaranchal
Nagaland Naga, Kuki, Mikir, Garo, etc.
Sikkim Bhutia, Lepcha
Jammu & Kashmir Chdddangpa, Garra, Gujjar, Gaddi, etc.
Source: www.tribal.nic.in ( Ministry of Tribal Affairs)

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 Table 3.2: All India Population of Scheduled Tribes (2001)

S.No. State/UT Persons Males Females

India 8,43,26,240 4,26,40,829 4,16,85,411
1
2 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 29,469 15,127 14,342
3 Andhra Pradesh 50,24,104 25,48,295 24,75,809
4 Arunachal Pradesh 7,05,158 3,52,017 3,53,141
5 Assam 33,08,570 16,78,117 16,30,453
6 Bihar 7,58,351 3,93,114 3,65,237
7 Chandigarh NN NN NN
8 Chhattisgarh 66,16,596 32,87,334 33,29,262
9 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 1,37,225 67,663 69,562
10 Daman & Diu 13,997 7,190 6,807
11 Delhi NN NN NN
12 Goa 566 299 267
13 Gujarat 74,81,160 37,90,117 36,91,043
14 Haryana NN NN NN
15 Himachal Pradesh 2,44,587 1,22,549 1,22,038
16 Jammu & Kashmir 11,05,979 5,78,949 5,27,030
17 Jharkhand 70,87,068 35,65,960 35,21,108
18 Karnataka 34,63,986 17,56,238 17,07,748
19 Kerala 3,64,189 1,80,169 1,84,020
20 Lakshadweep 57,321 28,611 28,710
21 Madhya Pradesh 1,22,33,474 61,95,240 60,38,234
22 Maharashtra 85,77,276 43,47,754 42,29,522
23 Manipur 7,41,141 3,74,319 3,66,822
24 Meghalaya 19,92,862 9,96,567 9,96,295
25 Mizoram 8,39,310 4,22,963 4,16,347
26 Nagaland 17,74,026 9,13,203 8,60,823
27 Orissa 81,45,081 40,66,783 40,78,298
28 Pondicherry NN NN NN
29 Punjab NN NN NN
30 Rajasthan 70,97,706 36,50,982 34,46,724
31 Sikkim 1,11,405 56,940 54,465
32 Tamil Nadu 6,51,321 3,28,917 3,22,404
33 Tripura 9,93,426 5,04,320 4,89,106
34 Uttar Pradesh 1,07,963 55,834 52,129
35 Uttaranchal 2,56,129 1,31,334 1,24,795
36 West Bengal 44,06,794 22,23,924 21,82,870
Notes: NN Not notified.
Source: Census of India 2001

59
60
Chattishgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Karnataka are the
States having larger number of scheduled tribes. These states account
for 83.2 per cent of the total scheduled tribe population of the country.
Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, Mizoram,
Bihar, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, account for
another 15.3 per cent of the total scheduled tribe population. The share
of the remaining states/Union Territories is negligible.

Lakshdweep, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal

Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, are predominantly tribal States/Union
territories where scheduled tribes population constitutes more than 60
per cent of their total population. No scheduled tribe is notified in
Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi and Pondicherry.

Table 3.3 given below depicts the States/Union Territories/

Districts with highest and lowest share of tribal population.

Table 3.3: Some characteristics of Scheduled Tribes

Population (2001)

SCHEDULED TRIBES POPULATION 8,43,26,240 8.2%

State with highest proportion of Mizoram ( 94.5 % )
Scheduled Tribes
State with lowest proportion of Goa (0.04 %)
Scheduled Tribes
Union Territory with highest proportion Lakshadweep (94.5 %)
of Scheduled Tribes
Union Territory with lowest proportion A & N Islands (8.3 %)
of Scheduled Tribes
District with highest proportion of Sarchhip, Mizoram ( 98.1%)
Scheduled Tribes
District with lowest proportion of Hathras, Uttar Pradesh
Scheduled Tribes (0.01%)
Source: Census of India 2001

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 There are 1,05,295 villages and 57 Urban Areas/Towns which
have more than 50 per cent Scheduled tribes population in the country
while 3.23 lakh or half of the villages do not have any Scheduled Tribes
population. It is due the fact that, while the Scheduled Castes
population is more widely spread over both in rural and urban areas,
the scheduled tribe population prefers to live in groups in the rural
surroundings. These details are presented below (Table 3.4).

Table 3.4: Percentage of Scheduled Tribe Population in Districts,

Villages and Urban Areas / Towns – India (2001)

PROPORTION OF NO. OF NO. OF NO. OF URBAN

SCHEDULED TRIBE DISTRICTS VILLAGES AREAS/TOWNS
POPULATION (%)
Nil 50 3,23,487 1,090
Upto 4.9 278 68,189 2,420
05 to 09 56 23,742 387
10 to 19.9 69 28,662 264
20 to 49.9 65 44,240 160
50 to 74.9 35 26,788 15
75 or above 40 78,507 42
Total 593 5,93,615 4,378
Source: www.tribal.nic.in (Ministry of Tribal Affaires)

3.6 THE TRIBAL HABITAT IN UTTARANCHAL

The total population of Uttaranchal in 2001 Census has been

84,89,349. Of these, 2,56,129 persons are Scheduled Tribe, which
constitutes 3 per cent of the total population of the state. The state has
registered 20.9 per cent decadal growth of ST population in 1991-2001.
There are total of five (5) notified Scheduled Tribes in the state, and all
of them have been enumerated in 2001 Census.

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 The major part of the tribal population inhabits the central and
southern parts of Uttaranchal. In addition, there are many tribal groups
which are ethnically distinct from the rest of the population and are
found distributed in different environmental setting of the region. While
these people reveal characteristic patterns of religious faith and socio-
cultural behaviour, they are as much part of the social environment of
the region as any other cultural group. Among these may be included
the inhabitants of a narrow belt north of the main ranges – all along the
frontier with Tibet – known popularly as Bhotia with their local names in
Kumaun being Johari, Darma, Byansi and Chaudansi and their western
counterparts in Garhwal known as Tolchha, Marchha and Jad. Along
the extreme western borders of Uttaranchal a small tribal group known
as Jaunsari inhabits. The tarai, along the eastern foothills of
Uttaranchal has been the traditional abode of tribes like Buksa towards
the western parts and the Tharu, which are found distributed eastwards.
Besides these, there is also a small but distinct cultural group in the
east of Uttaranchal along the borders with Nepal in district Pithoragarh
which is known as the Raji or the Van Rawat.

The tribal population of Uttaranchal has a long history of

environmental adaptation during the course of which they have evolved
cultural patterns, which are characteristic and unique in many ways.
The social organization and economic activities of these people not only
reflect the varying grades of cultural contact to which they have been
exposed, but in a large measure, are an imprint of such unique features
of their geographic environment as their isolation, difficult climatic
conditions, strategic location and the various constraints in the use of
the natural resources.

Presently this population is living amidst a fast changing socio-

economic environment mainly effected by the development of

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agriculture and transport as also the influx of outside population in the
foothill zone of Tarai, the strategic significance and the need to create
roads and other infrastructure along with Indo-Tibetan border and the
growth of various kinds of development and other economic activities in
the entire region of Uttaranchal due to the advent of mechanized
transport. In the wake of such changes during recent yeas, although
there has been a progressive penetration of outside contact and culture
in these habitats, these cultural groups have still retained some of their
basic culture at values that have been part and parcel of their physio-
cultural environment for generations.
The tribal groups of Uttaranchal are presented as follows:

(1) BHOTIA: The Bhotia tribal population inhabits the Indo-Tibetan

border – a zone of ethnic intermixture and cultural assimilation and as
such, reveals close ethnic as well as cultural affinity to the Tibetans. In
some cases, these tribal people are more akin to the Tibetans in their
socio-cultural and religious behaviour than their Hindu neighbours in the
populated zone of Uttaranchal to the south. The region occupied by the
Bhotia falls partly within the lower slopes of the Greater Himalaya and
largely along the Trans-Himalayan zone, which is characterized by a
dry climate, lofty and snow-clad mountain peaks, extensive glaciers,
highly irregular surface configuration, sporadic distribution of
vegetation, deep narrow river valleys and precipitous slopes.

Within the entire population of the Bhotias, there usually occurs a

gradation from one social and economic pattern to another, depending
largely upon the opportunities of cultural contact as also the economic
status of a group. Thus, right from the sedentary farmers with partial
cattle rearing, the groups may be graded into semi-nomadic people
depending upon trade and pastoralists. But in all cases, the
movements of these people and their activities conform to seasonal

64
changes in the availability of food supply. In this way, this population
shows an ingenious use of the limited resources in the high altitude
region of the Himalayas.

(2) JAUNSARI: The tribal group occupies a region known as

Jaunsar-Bawar, along mid-western sections of the border of
Uttaranchal with Himachal Pradesh. The region lies in Chakkrata tehsil
of district Dehradun. Due to their distinct socio-cultural traits and the
prevalence of polyandry, this tribe has been the subject of great interest
for historians, sociologists and anthropologists. The Jaunsari are said
to be the descendants of the ancient Khas people, a dominant socio
political group of the region in the past. In social behaviour they reveal
influences of the Hindu system and during the last few decades, the
practice of polyandry is also decreasing progressively.

(3) BUKSA: The Buksa associate themselves with a Royal Rajput

clan of Rajasthan. They actually reveal a closer affinity to tribes and
races living towards the north and north-east of the region and show
traits and characteristics of the mongoloid race. These people,
occupying the western parts of the Tarai, presently falling in district
Udham Singh Nagar, have lived under great isolation for a long time in
the past due to vast areas under swamps and marshes in the Tarai.
Presently, this tribal population is distributed over a tract inhabited by a
large immigrant population and increase in economic activities and
development of agriculture has led to a more and more admixture of
non tribal population in the Boksha villages.

(4) RAJI: The Raji, also termed as Van Rawat – make a distinct
cultural group inhabiting a few villages in Dharachula and Didihat tehsils
of district Pithoragarh in the eastern sections of Uttaranchal. While
these people associate themselves with the Royal Rajput clan of Askot

65
but this has not been accepted by Anthropologists. The Raji, however,
reveal ethnic association with Kirats said to be the earliest inhabitants
of this region. For a long time, these people have lived under
conditions of great isolation which perhaps account for their aboriginal
state.

(5) THARU: Tharu constitute a traditional tribal group found in the

eastern parts of the Tarai district of Udham Singh Nagar and
sporadically to the east of it also along the Nepal Tarai falling in U.P.
Ethnically, Tharus are a mixed tribe and also reveal mongoloid traits
identical to the Buksas. This cultural group also shows a high degree of
adaptation to the characteristic conditions of Tarai, where these people
have been practicing shifting cultivation since very early times.

The cultural practices of the Tharus have not remained

unaffected by the economic changes that occurred in the region after
Independence and consequently they have now given up a nomadic
way of life and are, more or less, settled and depend upon permanent
cultivation of a variety of crops. Although the practices of cultivation
followed by a majority of the Tharus are of primitive type, cash crop like
sugarcane is getting popular among relatively big farmers where it finds
an important place in the agricultural land use. Intrinsically these
people were hunters and food gatherers and, therefore, collection of
wild herbs, fruits and fishing still constitutes an important part of their
economy and life style. These people supplement their agricultural
economy by selling their products in nearby markets -- mainly fish,
poultry, ropes, baskets, etc.

In their social organization and religious beliefs, the Tharus are

also close to the Hindus and have adopted many Hindu fairs and
festivals. The Tharu villages usually show a neat row of houses along a

66
line of communication but individual houses are made as detached
residences. The houses have a thatched roof and the walls are of daub
and wattle. During recent times, due to fire and other causes, the
original patterns of house types are getting obliterated and use of
modern building material such as cement, tins, tiles and bricks, etc. is
getting more popular. The entire village has one single place of
worship usually located in the outskirts.

The Tharus, due to their traditional methods of agriculture and

illiteracy have remained in a state of backwardness for a long time but
during recent years, as a result of economic changes and increased
avenues of education, the economic and educational conditions of
these people are improving fast.

3.6.1 Tribal Population in Uttaranchal: Size & Distribution

Tharu is the largest of the five Scheduled Tribes of Uttaranchal.

They account for 33.4 per cent ST population of the state, followed by
Jannsari (32.5 per cent), Buksa (18.3 per cent), and Bhotia (14.2 per
cent). Raji is small in number (Table 3.5).

Table 3.5: Population & Proportion of five major Scheduled Tribes

in Uttaranchal (2001)

Sl. Name of the Scheduled Total Proportion to

No. Tribe Population the total ST
Population
1 All Scheduled Tribes 2,56,129 100 %
2 Tharu 85,665 33.4
3 Jannsari 83,262 32.5
4 Buksa 46,771 18.3
5 Bhotia 36,438 14.2
6 Raji 517 0.2
7 Others 3,476 1.4
Source: Census of India 2001(Statewise distribution - Uttaranchal State)

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 The Scheduled Tribes in Uttaranchal are predominantly living in
rural areas with 93.8 per cent rural and only 6.2 per cent urban. Bhotia
have recorded a high of 25.8 per cent urban population among them.
Raji with 8.9 per cent urban dwellers among them come next. On the
other hand Buksa and Tharu are predominantly living in rural areas with
only 0.8 per cent and 1.9 per cent urban population respectively.

A majority of the Scheduled Tribes population is concentrated in

four districts, namely, Udham Singh Nagar (43 per cent), Dehradun
(38.8 per cent), Pithoragarh (7.5 per cent), and Chamoli (4.1 per cent).

3.6.2 Sex Ratio

The overall sex ratio among the Scheduled Tribes is 950, which
is below the aggregated national figure for 978. Bhotia (1049) have
registered more females in their population. On the other hand very low
sex ratio of 833 has been recorded among Raji.

The child sex ratio (0-6 age group) of 955 is also low as
compared to the national average (973) among Scheduled Tribes. The
Raji also have registered low child sex ratio (757).

3.6.3 Literacy & Educational Level

Among Scheduled Tribes 63.2 per cent of the population has

been recorded as literate, which is well above the national average
(47.1 per cent). The male and female literacy rate of 76.4 per cent and
49.4 per cent respectively reflect a wider gender gap in literacy. Bhotia

68
with 79.9 per cent literacy rate are well ahead of other Scheduled
Tribes. The female literacy rate (69.1 per cent) among Bhotia is also the
highest among the five Scheduled Tribes of the state. Raji have
recorded the lowest literacy rate of just 35.8 per cent (Table 3.6)

Table 3.6: Literacy Rate among Tribals in Uttaranchal (2001)

Sl. Name Of The Scheduled Literate Rate (7+ Years And

Above)
No Tribe Total Male Female
1 All Scheduled Tribes 63.2 76.4 49.4
2 Bhotia 79.9 91.5 69.1
3 Buksa 49.9 66.0 32.4
4 Jannsari 58.9 71.7 44.8
5 Raji 35.8 47.2 22.5
6 Tharu 67.0 80.4 53.1
Source: Census of India 2001(Statewise distribution - Uttaranchal State)

As per 2001 Census, 76.6 per cent of the Scheduled Tribes

population of age group 5-14 years has been attending educational
institutions. Bhotia have recorded the highest percentage (86.4 per
cent) of school attending population, closely followed by Tharu (82.3
per cent). On the other hand Raji have recorded the lowest attendance
of 50 per cent. The Jaunsari (75.1 per cent) and Buksa (63.7 per cent),
the remaining two Scheduled Tribes also have recorded below the state
average.

3.6.4 Marital Status

As regard marital status, 53.8 per cent of the Scheduled Tribes

population is never married, 41.9 per cent currently married, 4.1 per
cent widowed, and 0.2 per cent divorced /separated.

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 The child marriage is not common among the Scheduled Tribes
of Uttaranchal. Merely 1.9 per cent of total female population among
Scheduled Tribes of below 18 years – the minimum legal age for
marriage – has been recorded as ever married. Raji have recorded the
highest percentage of marriage below the stipulated age (3.9 per cent),
while the same is the lowest among Buksa (0.8 per cent).

The ever married males below 21 years – the minimum legal age
for marriage – constitute 2.7 per cent of the total population. Tharu have
recorded the highest 3.4 per cent of their population of this stipulated
age as ever married, closely followed by Jaunsari (3.1 per cent).

3.6.5 Religion

The Scheduled Tribes in Uttaranchal are predominantly Hindus

constituting 99.1 per cent of the population. Besides, a total of 1,344
persons have been returned as Budhists.

3.7 TRIBALS IN UDHAM SINGH NAGAR

The total population of Udham Singh Nagar is 12,35,614 out of

which the scheduled Tribe population constitutes 1,10,220, which are
8.92 of the total population. The literate population is 6,59,165
consisting of 4,02,308 males and 2,56,857 females. Thus the male
literacy is 75.22 per cent and female literacy is 53.35 per cent.

The population of Tharu Tribe in Udham Singh Nagar according

to 2001 census is 84532. The population of Tharu in Naini Tal District
since 1891 (Udham Sigh Nagar was earlier part of Naini Tal Distrrict
under Uttar Pradesh), shows a steady increase. There was a

70
substantial decrease in their population during 1931-1941, which as
stated by Srivastava (1958, op.cit.) was due to spread of epidemic of
cholera which broke out in 1937 in a virulent form. These figures are
shown in a tabular form below.

Table 3.7: Tribals in Udham Singh Nagar (2001)

Scheduled Tribe population 1,10,220

Percentage to total population 8 .92

Scheduled Tribes (Largest three)

1.Tharu 84,532
2.Buksa 24,387
3.Other Tribes 803
Source: www.gov.uk.nic.in (Uttaranchal Govt.)

Table 3.8: Trend in Tharu Population from 1891-1941 & 2001

in District Nainital & Udham Singh Nagar

District 1891 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 2001

Naini Tal 15,397 16,085 19,372 18,488 20,753 15,495 --

Udham* 84,532
Singh Nagar

Source: Srivastava 1958 and Census of India 2001.

*Udham Singh Nagar was earlier part of Naini Tal District under Uttar Pradesh

3.8 TRIBALS IN KHATIMA TEHSIL

The tribal population in Khatima Tehsil is 49,216 out of which

24,861 are males and 24,355 are females. The major part of this
population lives in rural areas which is 48,818 and only 398 lives in
urban areas.

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3.9 PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA

3.9.1 Uttaranchal

As per information available on the official website of

Uttaranchal, it is the 27th State of the Republic of India. It is now known
as Uttarakhand. On 9th November 2000, this State was carved out of
the State of Uttar Pradesh. The State extends from 28 degree 43’ N to
31 degree 27’ N longitude and 77 degree 34’ East to 81 degree 02’ E
latitude. Uttaranchal is surrounded by Nepal in the East, China in the
North, Himachal Pradesh in the west and U.P. in the South. It is
divided into two broad regions – Garhwal and Kumaon. The State
comprises of 13 districts, namely, Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi,
Dehradun, Haridwar and Rudraprayag in the Garhwal region and
Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat and
Bageshwar in the Kumaon region. Of these 13 districts, four districts
(Nainital, Haridwar, Dehradun and Udham Singh Nagar) have large
areas in the plains, whereas the other nine districts comprise the hill
region of the State. The State is further split into sub-divisions and
development blocks.

The State is spread over 53,483 sq. km. of land, which is 1.67
per cent of the country’s total area. The population of the State,
according to the 2001 Census was 8.49 million, of which 4.33 million
were males and 4.16 million females. The total number of inhabited
villages, including forest villages, is 15,761. The decadal growth rate of
the population during 1991-2001 has been 19.20 per cent (All India –
21.34 per cent), a reduction form 24.23 per cent during previous
decade. The density of population in Uttaranchal is 159 persons per
sq. km. (All India – 324).

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 The provisional capital of Uttaranchal is Dehradun which is also
a rail-head and the largest city in the region. The town lies in the Dun
Valley, on the watershed of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The name
Dehradun is a collection of two words “dera” meaning Camp and “dun”
meaning valley. Some of the best public schools are housed here. The
Indian Military Academy, Survey of India, The Forest Research
Institute, ONGC and many more offices of Central and State
Government are also situated here.

The state is the source of the sacred Ganga River, high in the
mountains, and the spiritual and physical life source of India. The
Gangetic plains forms three fourth of the state. Along with the holy
places of Hinduism, this region has also distinctively shaped the
development of Buddhism and Islam. The mighty Himalaya straddles
the state, on its northern borders, and are widely believed to be throne
of Gods. For a traveler, a simple division would be the Hills and the
Plains. Uttaranchal is a destination of all seasons; it has famous hill
stations, National Parks, Rivers, Lakes, Pilgrimage places like
Chardham. In Uttaranchal we have wide scope for the adventure
enthusiast they have ample places for trekking, mountaineering, river
rafting and skiing. Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya,
Dehradun is the Capital of Uttaranchal. It is one of the most beautiful
resorts in the sub-mountain tracts of India, known for its scenic
surroundings. A Map of Uttaranchal is annexed (Map 2) and location of
Uttaranchal State on Map of India is shown in Map 3.

Literacy and Educational profile of Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal has a literacy rate of 72.2 per cent against the

national figure of 64.8 per cent. The literacy rate for males being 84.0

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per cent as compared to only 60.2 per cent for females reflecting a
wider gender gap. Some hill districts have a literacy rate above the
State average. As expected, the literacy for females is lower than that
for males; more than 80 per cent of the males are literate and the
female literacy rate varies across districts. However, these numbers
are much higher than the national average.

In terms of basic education, the number of schools/colleges in

the State in 2003-04 was 19.700 which accounted for 1.7 per cent of
the national figure. Figures for 2001-02 show that there were 19,46,343
students in the State compared to 19,49,46,000 in India, i.e. around 1
per cent. The number of students in the hills is 53.5 per cent of the
State total, whereas students in the plains make up 46.5 per cent.

The education infrastructure in the State as on 31.03.2006

consisted of 14,834 Primary Schools, 4,086 Senior Basic Schools,
1,955 High School and Intermediate Colleges, 84 Degree and Post
Graduate Colleges, 11 Universities including 7 State and 4 Private
Universities. In addition, there are 4 Engineering Colleges, 2 Medical
Colleges, 30 Government Polytechnics, 6 Private Polytechnics. IIT,
Roorkee, a world-renowned institution is also situated in Uttaranchal.

3.9.2 District Udham Singh Nagar

Udham Singh Nagar is one of the 13 administrative districts of

Uttaranchal bounded on the north by Nainital District, on the northeast
by Champawat District, on the east by Nepal, and on the south and
west by Uttar Pradesh state. The district was created in October 1995
out of Nainital District, and is named after Raja Udham Singh. The
administrative head quarter is located at Rudrapur. The district is

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situated in the Terai region, also part of Kumaon Division and it shares
an international border with Nepal. Udham Singh Nagar is basically an
industrial district and many industries are located here. Places of
tourist interests are: Atariya Temple, Kashipur, Chamunda Devi, Chaiti
Temple, Giri Sarover. It is 285 kms from Dehradun (the Capital of
Uttaranchal), 254 kms from Delhi (Capital of India), 33 kms. From
Kathgodam; and 78 kms from Nainital.

Udham Singh Nagar is basically an industrial district and many

industry related professions are prevalant here. It is a perfect example
of 'Unity in Diversity' for which India is so widely known. On the other
hand different cultures, religions and life styles are blended in absolute
harmony. The fertile land lends itself to different forms of agriculture
and agriculture related activities and industry resulting into prosperity all
around. Pantnagar university is a leading temple of learning in the fields
of agriculture and technology with one of the finest bulit university all
around the world. This place has rare sight seeing as it is surrounded
by Kumaon Himalayas on one side and Nepal on the other (Tanakpur
touches the Khatima border which is in Champawat district). Nanak
Matta dam, Dronasagar and many other places are worth visiting.
Atariya mandir mela and Chaiti mandir mela is famous where one can
find local folk activities and mingle with local culture and traditions.

In the past this land which is full of forest land was neglected till
1948 due to difficult climate. Marshy lands, extreme heat, rains which
lasted months, a place full of wild animals, diseases and no means of
transportation prevented the human race to form a colony here. Map of
Udham Singh Nagar is annexed (Map 4). Table 3.9 shows information
of Udham Singh Nagar at a glance.

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3.9.3 Khatima

Khatima is one of the seven Blocks of District Udham Singh

Nagar in the State of Uttaranchal. It is located at 28°55′N
79°58′E28.92°N 79.97°E It has an average elevation of 199 metres
(653 feet). Temperature climbs up to mid 39 in summer and goes down
to 7 degree C in foggy winter. The place has predominantly Kumaoni
inhabitants who have settled here from hilly region of Pithoragarh.
There's a sizable Sikh and Muslim population in the town. The main
languages spoken are Hindi and Kumaoni (Pahari).

As of 2001 India census, Khatima has a population of 1,20,487.

Males constitute 54 per cent of the population and females 46 per cent.
Khatima has an average literacy rate of 66 per cent, higher than the
national average of 59.5 per cent -- male literacy is 73 per cent, and
female literacy is 58 per cent. In Khatima, 16 per cent of the population
is under 6 years of age. Map of Khatima is shown as Map 5.

The details and data given in this Chapter are based on Census
of India 2001, official website of Uttaranchal Government and Ministry
of Tribal Affairs, Government of India as other sources as mentioned.

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 Table 3.9: Udham Singh Nagar at a glance

Population 12,35,614 (2001 census)

Literates
Persons 6,59,165
Males 4,02,308
Females 2,56,857
Literacy rate
Males 75.22
Females 53.35
Literacy Rate 65.76%

Neighboring Districts of Bijnour, Moradabad, Rampur,

UdhamSinghNagar Bareilly, Pilibhit ,Champawat,
Nainital
Neighboring Country Nepal

District Type Tarai

Tehsils in Udham Singh NagarKhatima, Sitarganj, Kichha,

Kashipur
Blocks in Udham Singh Nagar Khatima, Sitarganj, Rudrapur,
(7) Gadarpur, Bazpur, Kashipur,
Jaspur
Nyaya Panchayats 27

Number of villages 656

Nagar Palika Parishads(8) Jaspur, Kashipur, Bajpur,

Gadarpur,. Rudrapur, Kichha,
Sitarganj, Khatima
Nagar Panchayats(6) Mahua Dabra, Mahuakheraganj,
Kelakhera, Dineshpur, Sultanpur
Patti, ShaktiGarh
Language of District Hindi, English, Punjabi
Area 3055 Square Km
Source: www.gov.uk.nic.in (Uttaranchal Govt)

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