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Tribal Demography and Distribution in Rajasthan
Population Snapshot (Census 2011)
Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan numbered 92.38 lakh (9,238,534) in 2011, constituting 13.48% of the state's total population of 6.86 crore. The ST sex ratio was 982 females per 1,000 males — marginally better than the state average of 928.
ST literacy stood at 52.5% against the state average of 66.1%, indicating a 13.6 percentage point gap that drives educational welfare programmes. Rajasthan has 12 Scheduled Tribes recognized under the Presidential Order.
The tribal population is heavily concentrated in the southeastern belt, in what is commonly called the Vagad region — comprising Banswara, Dungarpur, and parts of Udaipur — and in the Mewar-Aravalli corridor.
District-wise Concentration
The five most ST-concentrated districts (ST % of district population, Census 2011):
| District | ST Population | ST % of District | Dominant Tribe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banswara | 7.73 lakh | 72.3% | Bhil |
| Dungarpur | 5.08 lakh | 70.9% | Bhil |
| Pratapgarh | 3.73 lakh | 67.4% | Bhil |
| Udaipur | 11.93 lakh | 47.6% | Bhil, Garasia |
| Rajsamand | 3.05 lakh | 39.2% | Bhil, Meena |
Source: Census of India 2011, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Rajasthan, Table ST-1
The 12 Recognized Scheduled Tribes
Rajasthan's 12 recognized STs, in approximate order of population:
| # | Tribe | Approx. Population (2011) | Primary Districts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhil | ~36 lakh (39%) | Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Rajsamand |
| 2 | Meena (Mina) | ~24 lakh (26%) | Jaipur, Alwar, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa |
| 3 | Garasia | ~3.09 lakh | Sirohi, Pali, Udaipur |
| 4 | Damor | ~1.10 lakh | Dungarpur, Banswara |
| 5 | Saharia | ~1.07 lakh | Baran (Shahabad, Kishanganj tehsils) |
| 6 | Kathodi | ~0.45 lakh | Udaipur, Sirohi |
| 7 | Bhil Mina | ~0.95 lakh | Jaipur, Ajmer |
| 8 | Seharia | Subset of Saharia | Baran |
| 9 | Naikda | ~0.12 lakh | Dungarpur, Banswara |
| 10 | Patelia | ~0.08 lakh | Banswara |
| 11 | Koli | Part of broader category | Sirohi, Pali |
| 12 | Rabari | ~0.55 lakh | Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur |
Source: Census of India 2011, Primary Census Abstract for Scheduled Tribes, Rajasthan
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
Saharia is Rajasthan's only PVTG, one of 75 nationally. The criteria for PVTG designation are:
- (a) Pre-agricultural economy
- (b) Low literacy
- (c) Declining or stagnant population
- (d) Subsistence economy
Saharias are concentrated in the Shahabad and Kishanganj tehsils of Baran district in the Chambal River basin. Their traditional economy combined forest gathering (mahua flowers, tendu leaves, timber) with settled shifting cultivation.
Child malnutrition among Saharias remains a persistent concern. A 2002–03 starvation crisis in Baran drew national attention and led to accelerated welfare measures, including the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana and special TSP allocations.