Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Adivasi Religious Identity: A Call for Distinct Recognition
Adivasi people, who have their own unique cultures and religions, are asking the Indian government to count them separately in the census, not as Hindus.
This is because the current system doesn't accurately reflect their beliefs and traditions.
It's like if someone asked you your favorite color, but then said you liked the same color as someone else when you didn't.
This mislabeling is causing their culture to be lost and their rights to be ignored.
They want their own religious category to protect their way of life and make sure they get the recognition and help they deserve.
Adivasi communities in India are seeking recognition of their distinct religious identity, separate from Hinduism, in the national census.
The current census misclassifies Adivasi communities, leading to the erosion of their unique identity and cultural practices.
Historical census data shows a shift from recognizing distinct tribal religions to subsuming them under Hinduism.
The misclassification has far-reaching consequences, including cultural marginalization and loss of traditional practices.
Adivasi communities are demanding a separate religion category to protect their traditions and ensure their constitutional rights.
- Who
- Adivasi communities and the Government of India.
- What
- Adivasi communities are advocating for recognition of their distinct religious identity in the Indian census.
- When
- The demand is highlighted on World Indigenous Peoples’ Day and for the upcoming census.
- Where
- India, specifically within Adivasi communities across different states like Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- To preserve their unique cultural and religious identities, secure their rights, and ensure accurate representation.
Adivasi Communities
Government of India (Implicit)
Religious Identity
Adivasi Communities
Recognition of their distinct religious and cultural identity through a separate religion category in the census.
Government of India (Implicit)
Existing census categorizations that include them as Hindus which does not accurately reflect their unique beliefs.
- Adivasi Population (2011 Census)
- 10.43 crore (104.3 million)
- ST Population in Jharkhand (2011)
- 8.65 million (86.5 lakh)
- ST Population in Undivided Andhra Pradesh (2011)
- 5.92 million (59.2 lakh)
- Santal population categorized as Hindu (2011)
- Over 63%
- Sarna religion adherents (2011 Jharkhand)
- 45.23% of ST population
- Christianity among ST in Mizoram (2011)
- 90.08%