the term was introduced during British rule in 1901 census and fully explained in 1931 census. Although tribals were known as adivasi aadim jaati but scholars like KS Singh Vidyarthi zaza Srivastav and others believe that tribe is a colonial concept.
Features
remote and isolated. Primitive economy. Primitive quality, primitive religion low population density.
VK Srivastava. 2008. Epw. On draft tribal policy. Although tribe and caste have many common features but both have tried to remain and retain their distinct features. common features do not mean merging of both. So it is good to think of them as different.
We cannot define what is primitive and it is is believed that they are fossils of the past which is untrue.
Tribals also show thought of as distinct culture with bizzare features. their culture has been shown as unique and different and exotic by earlier anthropologists and publishers.
Tribals also don't live in compact area anymore. Infact 40% of displaced people are tribals around.
Their culture is also not simple but highly complex cosmology.
Tribals also had competition, conflicts, rivalry, they were not always egalitarian and not noble savage.
Classical evolutionista pushed the concept.
The draught tribal policy lacks tribal voice
But svk Shrivastava argues no community exhibit these traits.
Schedule tribes are groups that are inserted in schedule tribe list under article 342 by the president. There are about 700 scheduled tribes.
Difference. Tribes anthropological concept not place dependent. it is a colonial construct. Schedule tribe is administrative and political concept with aim to bring social justice and welfare towards tribes requiring urgent attention of state. It is based on territory and social economic status.