A Scheduled Tribe refers to a collection of families or groups of families, bearing a common name, members which occupy the same

territory, speak the same language and observe certain taboos regarding marriage, profession or occupation and have developed as well as assessed system of reciprocity and mutuality of obligations. Article 336 of the Constitution of India says that Scheduled Tribes are the tribes or tribal communities which the Indian President may specify by public notification.

The important characteristics of a tribe are Definite Territory, Common Language, Blood Relationship, Endogamy, Common Culture, Common Religion, Common Name, and Political Organization. Definite Territory The members of a tribe live permanently in a definite territory. Common territory is an important feature of a tribe. In the absence of a common territory its very existence cannot be imagined. Common Language All the members of a tribe speak a common language or dialect. This common language not only binds them in strengthening unity but also helps to increase strong community feeling among themselves. Blood Relationship The members of a tribe are blood related to each other. They claim to be originated from a common ancestor. Endogamy Another main feature of a tribe is its endogamous nature. The members of a tribe are required to marry within group. Marriage outside the group is strictly prohibited. Common Culture All the members of a tribe share a common cultural pattern. They are mainly guided by a common culture. This cultural similarity is an important factor regulating the tribal organizations. Common Religion All the members of a tribe have a belief in a common religion. They extend direct co-operation to each other, being inspired by the mantras: We belong to a particular tribe and our religion is one. Common Name Every tribe has a common name by which it is identified. From sociological point of view, this name has more significance which binds the members of a tribe with a feeling of unity. Political Organization Every tribe of India is known as a strong political unit. This organization is meant to maintain unity and integrity in a tribe. The responsibility of the organization is vested upon an individual known as Mukhia is the unique ruler of the tribe. All the members have fear, faith and devotion on Mukhia.