Ethnographic Study of Denotified and Nomadic Communities

The Anthropological Survey of India and Tribal Research Institutes have completed a landmark ethnographic study, successfully classifying 268 previously unmapped Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes. The study addresses the historical neglect of communities that were stigmatized under the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act.

These communities have often faced social exclusion, poor documentation and weak access to welfare schemes. Classification through ethnographic study is important because it helps the State identify communities accurately and recommend their inclusion in appropriate caste or tribal lists.

Finding / Recommendation	Details
Inclusion in Caste Lists	Of the 268 communities, 179 are recommended for inclusion in SC lists, 29 in ST lists and 46 in OBC categories across 26 States and UTs.
State-wise Focus	Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of recommended inclusions with 19 communities, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Identification Gaps	The study found 63 communities untraceable due to migration or assimilation and recommended categorisation corrections for nine others.

PT Facts

Institutions Involved: Anthropological Survey of India and Tribal Research Institutes.
Total Communities Classified: 268 Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes.
Recommended Inclusion: 179 in SC, 29 in ST and 46 in OBC categories.
Historical Background: These communities were stigmatized under the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act.
Highest State Focus: Uttar Pradesh with 19 recommended inclusions.

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