The Adivasis
Primary Sources for Studies of Tribal Life in India
Page Last Updated: January 13, 2026
The Adivasis (literally meaning original dwellers) are the indigenous people of
India who maintained the early lifestyles of mankind till the 19th century. They
are also referred to as "Vanavasis" (meaning forest dwellers), "Girijans"
(meaning people of the mountain), and "Mulavasis".
Many of the photographs were taken just before the modernization was to hit the native lifestyles (hunting, free-sex, and blending with nature) of Adivasis, and much of the Adivasi culture is lost today due to reform, modernization, education, rehabilitation, religious conversions, and exploitation.
We hope that this archive of primary resources collected by anthropologists through extensive field-study and interviews will be an asset to students of Tribal life in India.
 Adivasis with Musical Instruments |  |
 |  Adivasi Dancer Stops for a Smoke Narayanapur Mela, Madhya Pradesh |
Adivasi Habitat, Madhya Pradesh Known as Manchal, this is the typical habitat of the tribals of Madhya Pradesh. |  |
 | Ancient Means and Ways A tribal man aims his catapult on a bird. The village of Chetedongar, Madhya Pradesh |
Bastar Tribals, 1962-63 Tribals eating by the wayside on way to Jatra |  |
 | Dancer at the Narayanpur Mela Madhya Pradesh, circa 1977 |
Daughter of the Forest God |  |
 | Decorated Tribal Boy Photographically improved picture of tribal boy |
Feather Decorations of a Tribal Dancer The Khajuraho Folk Festival, 1977 |  |
 | A Female Dancer Belongnging to Muria Tribe |
Five Men of Korku Tribe Notice the their attire |  |
 | Flowers & Feathers Worn by a Muria Adivasi |
Gonda Youngster The Village of Jamunjari, July 1976 |  |
 | A Gondati's Tattoo The village of Bhimbetaka, Madhya Pradesh |
Homeward Bound A coal miner returns to village from work |  |
 | A Man belonging to Native Maratha (kad-maratha) Community |
Mascular Tribal Youngster Jagadalpur, 1976 |  |
 | Picture of a Kudubi Tribal Woman The Village of Uluvi, Uttara Kannada District |
Posterior of a Tribal Dancer Forests of Central India, circa 1976 |  |
 | Santali Tribal Woman and her Three Children |
Santhal Tribal Habitat, Bengal Town of Plassey, Year 1970 |  |
 | Small Capital, Small Profits A tribal man selling his produce on highway |
Social Drinking among Tribals of India While social drinking is frowned upon among the civilized in India, among the natives, it is very common. |  |
 | A Toda Tribal Leader |
A tribal hut constructed without bricks, steel or mortar Central India, circa 1976 |  |
 | Tribal Women Dancers Dancers at the Narayanpur Mela, Madhya Pradesh |
Tribal Woman of Gramokkal Community in Traditional Saree The village of Kodkani, Uttara Kannada. Circa 1980 |  |
 | Tribal Woman with Piercings |
Tribal Women, Bastar Careful inspection of the photograph reveals tribal tattoos and tribal jewelry |  |
 | Tribal Women, Central India |
Tribal Women with Produce to be Sold on the Market-day Village of Narayanpur, Central India |  |
 | Tribal Women on Errands |
Tribal Youngster with Horn Decorartions |  |
 | Tribal Youth with an Axe Photograph colored by K.L.Kamat |
Two Adivasi Girls in town of Narayanpur Notice their head décor. Bastar, circa 1976 |  |
 | Villagers at Jagadalpur Dasara |
Waiting for the Man of the Household A tribal family waits for the father to return from forest, village of Chote Dongar, 1976 |  |
 | Young and Innocent Young girl at the tribal educational institute of Ghotul, 1977 |
A Youngster Belonging to Muria Tribe Photograph hand-colored by K.L. Kamat |  |
See Also:
- Children of the Forest God -- Learn about the little known, but very rich traditions and cultures of the tribals of India
- Stories of Bastar Travel
- The Santal Tribe
- Halakki Farming Community
