EDITORIAL

Abstract

Tribal communities comprise 8.2% of the total population of India. Constitution of India has recognized tribal communities in India under schedule 5 of constitution. Hence they are known as scheduled tribes. And there are around 605 distinct tribes in India who are spread over the different states of India. Each tribe possesses certain qualities and characteristics that make it a unique cultural unit. In the rapid industrialization and globalization, each tribe is struggling hard to protect its language and art forms which constitute its culture. Cut off from the commercial life of the metros, each tribe is largely dependent on age old means of sustenance. A cursory view of their life style, practices and oral literature speaks volumes of their interests and concerns for the safety and protection of environment and their zest for an organic life - the concerns of the present world intelligentsia.