Synopsis Documentation of various facets of tribal social reality is very much essential before they are totally eclipsed by the rapid process of globalization of the world economy. While examining the current literature on tribal societies we notice a curious absence of scientific studies based on intensive fieldwork among a large and important section of the world population. The series Contemporary Society: Tribal Studies tries to fill in this gap and thereby attempts to remove our ignorance on many aspects of tribal world. This volume, containing twenty-five papers presented at an International Conference, jointly organized by the Department of Anthropology, Sambalpur University and The Institute for Ethnology, Free University of Berlin, attempts to present the recent findings on tribal structure in India, with special focus on the differences within the various tribal formations. It addresses issues concerning tribal identity, state intervention, displacement and rehabilitation, socio-economic and ecological value and rituals in tribal India.