The Lok Sabha recently approved the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019. The bill seeks to enlist Parivara and Taliwara communities under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category, thus ensuring they are eligible for reservation and other government benefits. Additionally, Siddi tribes from Belagavi and Dharwad, as well as those residing in Uttar Kannada districts of Karnataka, will be included. Having passed through Rajya Sabha in 2019, this bill amends Part VI of the ST Constitution Order, 1950. This section contains the list of Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka.
Parivara and Taliwara Communities
The Parivara community is estimated to comprise approximately 2.58 lakh people, while the Taliwara community is believed to have about 8.6 lakh members. Most of these individuals inhabit Mysore, Chamrajanagara, Mandya, and Tumkur districts, with a smaller population living in Udupi, South Canara, and North Canara districts of Karnataka. Predominantly, these communities are employed as coolies, involved in firewood collection, husbandry, and cottage industry, thus leading a lower-status existence.
According to studies, their life cycle rituals, language, lifestyle, standard of living, physical characteristics, socio-economic and educational status, and geographical isolation align with the Beda, Nayaka, and Valmiki communities. These are already classified under the ST category in Karnataka. The government recognizes the Parivara and Taliwara as socially, politically, economically, and educationally backward.
Siddi Tribe
Also known as Habshi or Badsha, the Siddi community is considered of African origin due to evident Negroid racial features. Siddis, descendants of Bantu people from East Africa, were primarily brought to India as slaves by Arabs in the 7th Century, followed by Portuguese and British. Upon abolition of slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries, Siddis took refuge in dense jungles to evade recapture and torture.
Currently, Siddis are settled along the western coast of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. They mainly live in Dharwad, Belagavi, and Uttar Kannada districts in Karnataka. In 2003, the Indian Union government enlisted Siddis under the Scheduled Tribes list, specifically under Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Although historically hunters and gatherers, today Siddis primarily rely on labor and agriculture for livelihood.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024