·       Originally categorized as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) by the Dhebar Commission in 1973.

·       In 1975, 52 tribal groups were identified as PTGs, and in 1993, 23 more groups were added to the list, which later became PVTGs.

·       PVTGs are a more vulnerable subgroup among India’s tribal groups.

·       Characteristics include primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth, and backwardness.

·       Often rely on hunting for food and have a pre-agricultural level of technology.

·       Need for directing more development funds towards PVTGs due to the advantage taken by more developed tribal groups.

·       Odisha has the largest population of PVTGs, followed by Madhya Pradesh, according to the 2011 Census.

PM PVTG Development Mission

·       Aims to provide basic facilities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity, housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, health, nutrition, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to areas inhabited by PVTGs.

·       Involves the coordination of several ministries to implement development projects.

·       Includes schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, among others.

Early Life

·       Indian freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero from the Munda Tribe.

·       Born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, which is now in the Khunti district of Jharkhand.

·       Studied Hindu religious teachings, ancient scriptures, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.

Founder of New Religion (Birsait)

·       Established a new religion promoting belief in One God and a return to original tribal religious beliefs.

·       Attracted followers from the Munda and Oraon communities, challenging British conversion efforts.

·       Preached strong anti-British sentiments and organized tribal guerrilla armies against the British Raj.

·       Revered as ‘Dharti Abba’ or ‘Father of Earth’ by his followers.

Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan)

·       Tribal movement led by Birsa Munda against British oppression.

·       Aimed to establish Munda Raj (self-governance).

·       Used traditional symbols and language to mobilize people and urged them to resist “dikus” (outsiders, including the British, moneylenders, and traders).

·       Attacked symbols of outsiders, such as police stations and churches, and raided the property of moneylenders and zamindars.

Arrest and Death

·       Birsa Munda was arrested by the British in March 1900 while he was with his tribal guerrilla army in the Jamkopai forest in Chakradharpur (Jharkhand).

·       He died of cholera in jail at the age of 25.

Outcomes of the Rebellion

·       The British introduced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, prohibiting the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals (Dikus).

·       The British adopted a more lenient attitude toward the religious beliefs and practices of India’s tribal communities.