Contribution of Tribals in the Indian Freedom Struggle and Social Movement

In the making of modern India, the tribal communities have played a very significant role in protecting the culture of the nation and safeguarding the motherland. From this perspective, India has been divided into urban India and rural India. Among these, the tribal society is largely scattered across rural, hilly, and valley regions. Although this tribal society remains illiterate and away from mainstream development, it possesses its own distinct culture. Their dialects and customs are different from those of other societies, and they remain detached from evils such as idol worship, mob rule, and violence. Because of exploitation by landlords, moneylenders, contractors, and the ruling authorities, many injustices and atrocities were inflicted on the tribals, which led to deep suffering. As a result, tribal, bearing the pain of injustice and atrocities, carried on constant struggles. From the very beginning, they were living a natural life in forests and hills, self-reliant and sufficient to meet their primary needs. For this reason, they had no special relation with the outside world. But gradually, with the passage of time, circumstances began to change. The exploitation of society increased. Due to this, there arose various social, cultural, and economic movements. These agitations and conflicts emerged out of the existence of the tribal society. Through these struggles, new social systems began to form. In tribal society, there was no external connection with the outside world. As a result, their life was peaceful. There were no social conflicts or movements.