Land alienation and indebtedness are among the most persistent socio-economic problems affecting tribal communities in India. These issues have historically undermined tribal autonomy, weakened traditional institutions, and contributed to widespread poverty and marginalization. Despite constitutional safeguards, protective legislation, and developmental interventions, many tribal groups continue to lose control over their land and become trapped in cycles of debt due to structural inequalities, administrative failures, and market exploitation. Land occupies a central place in tribal life. It is not merely an economic resource but also a source of identity, cultural heritage, religious practices, and social organization. Traditional tribal economies are closely linked with forests, shifting cultivation, settled agriculture, and common property resources. Loss of land therefore affects not only livelihood but also the social and cultural fabric of tribal communities. Land alienation refers to the transfer of tribal land to non-tribal individuals, moneylenders, traders, companies, or government agencies. Although many states have enacted laws prohibiting such transfers, land alienation continues through legal loopholes, fraudulent transactions, benami transfers, forged records, manipulation of land titles, and administrative corruption. Illiteracy and lack of awareness regarding land rights make tribal communities particularly vulnerable to exploitation. One major cause of land alienation is indebtedness. Tribal households often borrow money to meet consumption needs, medical expenses, marriages, agricultural investments, or emergencies. Due to inadequate access to institutional credit, they depend on local moneylenders who charge exorbitant rates of interest. When borrowers fail to repay loans, moneylenders acquire their land either directly or through disguised agreements, resulting in permanent loss of ownership. Development projects have also accelerated land alienation. Large dams, mining operations, industries, wildlife sanctuaries, and infrastructure projects have