Read Jharkhand Tribes GK 2026 with complete notes on major tribes, PVTGs, culture, festivals, languages, traditional occupations, constitutional provisions, and MCQs for JPSC, JSSC, JTET, Police, SSC, and Railway exams.

Jharkhand is one of India’s leading tribal states. According to the Census of India, Scheduled Tribes (STs) make up a significant portion of the state’s population. Tribal history, culture, languages, festivals, leaders, and constitutional provisions are frequently asked in JPSC, JSSC CGL, JTET, Jharkhand Police, SSC, Railway, Banking, and other competitive examinations.

Quick Facts About Jharkhand Tribes

Particular	Details
Total Scheduled Tribes (STs)	32
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)	9
Largest Tribe	Santhal
Second Largest Tribe	Oraon (Kurukh)
Third Largest Tribe	Munda
Famous Tribal Leader	Birsa Munda
Traditional Tribal Festival	Sarhul
Major Tribal Region	Chotanagpur Plateau

Major Tribes of Jharkhand

The major tribes of Jharkhand include:

• Santhal
• Oraon (Kurukh)
• Munda
• Ho
• Kharia
• Bhumij
• Asur
• Birhor
• Korwa
• Sauria Paharia
• Mal Paharia
• Lohra
• Mahli
• Karmali
• Gond
• Baiga
• Chero
• Kisan
• Savar
• Chick Baraik

Top 10 Major Tribes

1. Santhal

• Largest tribe in Jharkhand.
• Mainly found in Dumka, Pakur, Sahibganj, Godda, and Jamtara.
• Language: Santali.
• Main festival: Sohrai and Baha.
• Traditional occupation: Agriculture.

2. Oraon (Kurukh)

• Second-largest tribe.
• Found mainly in Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga, and Latehar.
• Language: Kurukh.
• Major festival: Sarhul.

3. Munda

• Concentrated in Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, and Gumla.
• Language: Mundari.
• Birsa Munda belonged to this tribe.
• Traditional village head: Munda.

4. Ho

• Mainly found in West Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan.
• Language: Ho.
• Traditional occupation: Agriculture and forest-based activities.

5. Kharia

• Mainly found in Simdega, Gumla, and Ranchi.
• Language: Kharia.
• Traditionally dependent on forests.

6. Bhumij

• Found in East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Saraikela.
• Traditional occupation: Agriculture.

7. Asur

• One of the oldest tribes of India.
• Famous for traditional iron smelting.
• Classified as a PVTG.

8. Birhor

• Nomadic hunting and gathering tribe.
• Classified as a PVTG.

9. Korwa

• Mainly found in Garhwa, Latehar, and Palamu.
• Classified as a PVTG.

10. Sauria Paharia

• Mainly found in Sahibganj district.
• Classified as a PVTG.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Jharkhand has 9 PVTGs:

1. Asur
2. Birhor
3. Birjia
4. Hill Kharia
5. Korwa
6. Mal Paharia
7. Parhaiya
8. Sauria Paharia
9. Savar

Tribal Languages

Major tribal languages include:

• Santali
• Mundari
• Ho
• Kurukh
• Kharia
• Bhumij
• Karmali

Tribal Festivals

Important tribal festivals:

• Sarhul
• Sohrai
• Karma
• Mage Parab
• Tusu
• Baha
• Bandna
• Jani Shikar

Traditional Tribal Dances

• Chhau
• Paika
• Jhumair
• Karma Dance
• Santhali Dance
• Munda Dance

Traditional Musical Instruments

• Mandar
• Nagara
• Bansi (Flute)
• Dhol
• Tasa
• Shehnai

• Agriculture
• Animal husbandry
• Forest produce collection
• Iron smelting (Asur)
• Bamboo craft
• Handicrafts
• Lac cultivation

Famous Tribal Freedom Fighters

• Birsa Munda
• Sidho Murmu
• Kanhu Murmu
• Chand Bhairav
• Phulo Murmu
• Jhano Murmu
• Nilamber
• Pitamber
• Tilka Manjhi

Constitutional Provisions Related to Tribes

• Fifth Schedule of the Constitution
• Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996
• Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
• Reservation for Scheduled Tribes in education and government jobs

Important Tribal Welfare Institutions

• Tribal Welfare Department, Jharkhand
• Tribal Research Institute
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
• Jharkhand State Tribal Cooperative Development Corporation

Top 50 One-Liner Jharkhand Tribes GK

1. The largest tribe of Jharkhand is Santhal.
2. The second-largest tribe is Oraon.
3. Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe.
4. Santali is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
5. Sarhul is a famous tribal festival.
6. Sohrai is celebrated after the harvest.
7. Asur tribe is famous for iron smelting.
8. Birhor is a PVTG.
9. Korwa is a PVTG.
10. Sauria Paharia mainly lives in Sahibganj.
11. Ho tribe mainly lives in West Singhbhum.
12. Munda tribe is concentrated in Ranchi and Khunti.
13. Oraon people speak Kurukh.
14. Santhals speak Santali.
15. Mandar is a famous tribal drum.
16. Karma is both a festival and a dance.
17. Chhau is a famous folk dance of the region.
18. Tribal people traditionally worship nature.
19. Sal tree has religious significance.
20. Mahua flowers are used in traditional food and beverages.
21. Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan movement.
22. Sidho and Kanhu led the Santhal Hul of 1855.
23. Jharkhand has 32 Scheduled Tribes.
24. Jharkhand has 9 PVTGs.
25. Forests play a major role in tribal livelihoods.
26. Lac cultivation is an important tribal occupation.
27. Bamboo handicrafts are common among tribal communities.
28. Sarna is a traditional place of worship.
29. Tribal societies traditionally follow community-based governance.
30. Ranchi and Khunti have a large Munda population.
31. Dumka has a significant Santhal population.
32. Gumla has a large Oraon population.
33. Simdega has Kharia communities.
34. Jani Shikar is a traditional tribal festival.
35. Baha is a spring festival of the Santhals.
36. Mage Parab is celebrated by several tribal communities.
37. Tribal art reflects nature and daily life.
38. PESA applies to Scheduled Areas.
39. FRA recognizes forest rights of eligible communities.
40. EMRS schools support tribal education.
41. Sal leaves are widely used for making eco-friendly plates.
42. Tribal music uses Mandar and Nagara.
43. Traditional dances are performed during festivals.
44. Agriculture remains the primary occupation of many tribes.
45. Many tribal villages have customary leadership systems.
46. Tribal culture emphasizes harmony with nature.
47. Jharkhand has one of the largest tribal populations in India.
48. Tribal languages belong to different language families.
49. Tribal festivals are linked to agriculture and seasons.
50. Tribal history is an important topic in JPSC and JSSC exams.

FAQs

1. How many Scheduled Tribes are there in Jharkhand?

Jharkhand has 32 Scheduled Tribes recognized under the Constitution of India.

2. Which is the largest tribe in Jharkhand?

The Santhal tribe is the largest tribal community in Jharkhand.

3. How many PVTGs are there in Jharkhand?

There are 9 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Jharkhand.

4. Which tribe did Birsa Munda belong to?

Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe.

5. Which tribal language of Jharkhand is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution?

Santali is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Conclusion

Jharkhand’s tribal communities are central to the state’s history, culture, and identity. Understanding the major tribes, PVTGs, languages, festivals, traditional occupations, constitutional safeguards, and notable tribal leaders is essential for success in JPSC, JSSC, JTET, Jharkhand Police, SSC, Railway, and other competitive examinations. Regular revision of these notes, along with practicing MCQs and previous years’ questions, will strengthen your preparation and improve your exam performance.