Tribal society: Tribal society or tribal people are one of the most important parts of Indian population. Their population was around 160 millions according to the census of 1991. Large population of tribal society live in the states’of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. 23.22% of total population of Madhya Pradesh belong to tribal society. Some tribes also live in small states like Sikkim, Goa, Mizoram, Dadra-Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep. Most of the tribal people belong to tribes like Gond, Bhil, Santhal, Mizo, etc.

Out of these tribal people, 63% live in mountainous region, 2.2% five in islands and 1.6% live in colder regions. Others are scattered in different urban and rural regions. These people live in the huts of one or two rooms. These huts are made in line with each other. These huts are surrounded by large trees. These people rear animals like sheep, goat, etc. They depends upon the local natural and physical means. Main occupations of these people are hunting, catching fish, collecting food and agriculture.

Family: Family is the first social unit of tribal society. Women play very important role in household works of the family. Main functions of females are making food, collecting wood, cleaning and washing the clothes. They help th’e males in agricultural works. This work includes levelling the land, sowing the seeds, cutting the crops, etc. Main functions of males are cutting the jungle, levelling the land, ploughing the field, etc. Because females help in a great deal to men in their works, that’s why the custom of polygamy exist in tribal society.

Changes in Economic Condition of Tribal society : Tribal people were very poor in 19th century under the British rule. Their living style was greatly affected by the British rule. Their ancient social and economic structures were completely changed by the British. It led to adverse impact on tribal society and their economy. Commercialization of crops was done by the British government to protect their economic interests. The government captured the land of tribal people for the agriculture of opium and indigo. As a result, tribal people were forced to do labour work. But they were given very less wages for their work. They were forced to take loans for their livelihood. It’s result came in adverse impact on their economic condition.

Tribal people were totally against these social and economic changes. That’s why resentment came among them against the British.