Civics Chapter 05: Understanding Marginalisation

Adivasis - the term literally means ‘original inhabitants’ - are communities who lived, and often continue to live, in close association with forests.

Forest lands have been cleared for timber and to get land for agriculture and industry. Adivasis have also lived in areas that are rich in minerals and other natural resources. Losing their lands and access to the forest means that tribals lose their main sources of livelihood and food.

The term minority is most commonly used to refer to communities that are numerically small in relation to the rest of the population.