Author:

Sankar Sarkar

Assistant Professor in History
Balurghat Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Balurghat,West Bengal,India
Email: sankarsarkar406@gmail.com

Abstract: Abstract:In West Dinajpur district share of the tribal population was considerable and important tribes were Santal, Munda, Oraw, and Mahali. They are generally called adivasi, but actually, in this region, they had migrated from Chhotanagpur of Bihar during the second half of the 19th century, especially after the Santal rebellion. The Zamindars had welcomed them for reclamation of land. After partition, the tribal fall into the Pakistan side had migrated to West Bengal, no doubt in West Dinajpur also. As a huge number of refugees came into the district, naturally, the increase of the tribal population was slower than the overall population growth. They were basically agriculturists and used to live in the rural areas, though the percentage was higher than in the state. The sex ratio of tribal was more favorable than the overall scenario. Their literacy lagged behind but the pace of literacy development was hopeful. The work participation rate among them was higher than the district rate.

Key Words:Census, Population, Literacy, Rural, Tribe, Sex Ratio, Urban