The concepts of "Tribe" and "Tribal identity" in Indian context are very complex and contested. The politics of inclusion in and exclusion from 'Scheduled Tribe ' list adds to the din at regional and national levels. The claims as well as preferences of tribes to the attributes of Adivas is in tum equated with ' indigenous people ' also are largely contested. In spite of the lack of national unanimity, the perception of the tribes of India as part' of the world indigenous peoples has gained wider acceptability. The proclaimed welfare policy of 'main streaming' of tribes has met with severe resistance. What constitutes the reality of tribal situation, in time and space can only be, provided by periodical sound anthropological studies. The papers in this volume deals with-four major themes: Ethnicity and cultural identity of tribes; Endangerment of indigenous languages of tribes, Issues and perspectives of tribal development in multiple cultural contexts; and Impact of globalization on livelihood systems and occupational patterns of tribes in India. Understanding the dynamics of development among the tribes and communities with analogous socio-cultural and techno-economic dispositions require anthropological approach. Responsible national and regional collaboration of the agencies involved and ensuring informed participation of the communities and peoples concerned in developmental works can alleviate the deprivations as discussed in the presentations

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