Tribal communities have often been ignored by mainstream society because of historical, geographical, economic, social and political factors. Tribals in North and Northeast India, including communities such as the Nagas, Mizos, Garos, Khasis, Bodos, Tripuris and many others, have traditionally lived in forested, hilly and remote regions. Their geographical isolation reduced their regular interaction with the dominant populations and contributed to their social and economic marginalisation. One major reason for their neglect has been geographical isolation. Many tribal settlements are located in difficult mountainous, forest and border areas where transport, communication, education and health facilities developed slowly. Because of this isolation, mainstream institutions and markets did not reach these communities effectively. Even after independence, several tribal areas continued to experience inadequate infrastructure and limited access to government services. Another important reason is the historical dominance of mainstream cultural values. Tribal societies have their own languages, customs, traditional institutions, belief systems,