Tribes of Tripura, who inhabit a major part of Tripura, largely resemble the Tibeto- Burman origin. The territory is inhabited by 19 tribes who are enlisted as scheduled tribes under the Constitution of India. These tribes include Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Garoo, Halam, Jamatia, Khasia, Kuki, Lepcha, Lushai, Mog, Munda, Noatia, Orang, Reang, Santhal, Tripuri and Uchui. Among these the dominant tribes are Tripuri, Riang, Jamatia, Chakma, Halam, Noatia and Mog and so on. Largely Tripura is inhabited by Tripuri, Reang, Chakma, Mog, Halam and Murasin.
The land of Tripura is widely inhabited by a number of tribes who form a major part of Tripura. Mostly depending on agriculture, the tribes of Tripura largely depend on the subsistence agriculture for their livelihood.
Chakma Tribe of Tripura: The Chakma tribes are found in Tripura"s south-eastern hills bordering Chittagong Hill tract. Traditionally they are good cultivators. Animal husbandry, basketry, horticulture, foraging, fishing and weaving are the subsidiary occupation of this tribe. The language spoken by the Chakma tribe is very much related to Bengali language. The Chakma tribal group usually possesses faith in the Buddhist tradition which is scattered in various parts of Tripura.
Riang Tribe of Tripura: The Riang tribes are found in Mizoram, Assam and the Chittagong Hill Tract. In Tripura, their main concentration areas are in the eastern hills. They prefer to live in a village which is situated on the plateau of a hill. Cultivation is major occupation of this tribe. This community hardly possesses any access to education which keeps it restricted towards traditions. The festivals of this tribe are largely marked by the faith, age old customs and traditions of the land.
Tripuri Tribe of Tripura: Tripuri has 2 synonyms - "Puran Tripuri" and "Dev Varma". The dynasty has ancestral relation with the lunar dynasty of the Mahabharata. They are found all over Tripura though the western and northern parts of the Tripura are the main concentrated areas. This is one of the oldest tribes of the land which comprises almost 50 percent of the total population of Tripura. The social structure of this community is quite simple which largely depends on agriculture for its subsistence.
Mog Tribe of Tripura: Mog tribes are claimed to have originated from Arakan, Burmese and Chinese clan who have migrated to Tripura during 957 AD. This clan largely believes in Buddhism they too depend largely on agriculture for their subsistence.
Halam Tribe of Tripura: Halam tribes are supposed to be the offshoots of Kuki tribes who have settled in Tripura and accepted their Raja"s rule. Primarily this tribe practices Vaishnava faith and Saka cult. Originally there are 12 groups found in Halam tribes which are divided into 16 sub sections.
Murasin Tribe of Tripura: Murasin Tribes who inhabit the area are distinctively marked by the tradition of hanging the horns of dead animals. This clan which inhabits the regions of Tripura had been a part of the royal army of Tripura.
Bhil Tribe of Tripura: Bhils are considered as one of the oldest tribe in India. Once they were the ruler in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Their major concentrations in Tripura are mainly in Akinpur of Belonia, Bagan Bazar of Khowai Sub-Division. They are also found in North Tripura working in Tea gardens. Bhils are Hindus by religion.
Bhutia Tribe of Tripura: Bhutias are Himalayan tribe and negligible in Tripura. In Tripura, Bhutias once were used to be engaged in the Royal Army for their warrior character and physical strength. But in course of time they left Tripura to their original homeland.
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