The word tribe is variously used in literature to denote a community on the basis of homogeneity. Originally many autochthonous communities who were identified by similar culture, social organisation and governance, living away from the main stream life of a country, were mentioned as tribe by their colonial rulers and Western scholars. Many such communities have moved towards the mainstream lifestyle so that they may no longer be identified as secluded, underdeveloped people with queer customs. This has happened to all areas of the world where tribal communities live. Still, many tribal communities lead their lives in very primitive ways devoid of the techno-economic glamour of contemporary civilization. These communities are labeled as "Primitive Tribal Groups". Indian Government has identified such tribal groups to give special attention to their development, whereas in the Indian Constitution all the tribal groups are recognized as "scheduled tribes".
The colonial rulers had the intention to understand the nature and customs of tribal people for the purposes of administration. Tribal people represent a stage of human civilization, precursor to the present stage. So the litterateurs, journalists, and film makers are interested in such communities, especially those living in inaccessible hills, jungles, desert or islands. Anthropologists are involved in thorough scientific studies of the tribal people and present the knowledge in a comprehensive way. Technological civilization is advancing by leaps and bounds and electronic media has made deep inroads into peoples' lives, providing opportunities for more information in audio-visual ways.
There is plenty of literature and there are many journals on tribal affairs. These are, however, of limited circulation and theme specificity. As a result, these journals find place in the racks of academic and research institutions. In order to overcome these limitations, the present attempt to launch an electronic magazine on the cyber network, which can cater to the need of innumerable inquisitive minds requiring regular information on tribal people. This e-zine: The Tribal Tribune will be in an easy format to make it palatable and attractive even to non professionals, without diluting the academic value.
The Tribal Tribune will be online with a new issue every month* in English. It will contain various information on tribal people, their aspirations, achievements and conditions and will publish writings from various scholars on tribal study and shall carry the reader: Beyond Spears & Feathers
