AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF INDIAN TRIBES

"An Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes" by Dr Sivadas Swami Madam is a monumental and meticulously researched work that presents an unparalleled exploration of India’s rich tribal heritage. Spanning the entire subcontinent, this encyclopaedic volume profiles over 700 Scheduled Tribes, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of their histories, languages, belief systems, art, and socio-political structures. Through an empathetic and scholarly lens, Dr Sivadas Swami Madam illuminates the diverse cultures of indigenous communities, from the nomadic tribes of Rajasthan to the literate and politically active communities of the Northeast, such as the Mizos and Nagas. Far from reducing these communities to anthropological curiosities, the author weaves a humanistic narrative that brings to life the voices, struggles, and aspirations of India’s tribal peoples. The book also highlights the contemporary challenges these groups face—including displacement, cultural erosion, and land alienation—while celebrating their resilience, ecological wisdom, and evolving identities in the face of modernity. Rich with field interviews, oral traditions, and ethnographic detail, this encyclopaedia stands as an essential reference for scholars, students, policymakers, and general readers. It is both a cultural document and a heartfelt tribute to the unsung custodians of India’s plural soul, advocating for inclusive development rooted in respect, autonomy, and dignity.