Debt bondage is a system of unfree labour in which an individual pledges personal labour or the labour of family members as security for a loan or debt. Although the debt may appear to be voluntary at the beginning, the terms of repayment are often unfair, manipulated, and indefinite, making it nearly impossible for the borrower to escape. In India, debt bondage has historically affected both tribal and peasant communities due to poverty, landlessness, social exclusion, and unequal power relations. It represents not only economic exploitation but also social oppression and denial of basic human rights. Among tribal communities, debt bondage emerged because of limited access to formal credit institutions and dependence on moneylenders, landlords, contractors, and traders. Tribal populations living in remote forested regions often borrowed money to meet essential needs such as food, healthcare, marriages, or agricultural expenses. High rates of interest,