Socio-Demographic Profile of Jenu Kuruba (a PVTG) and  
HakkiPikki (a Scheduled Tribe) Community of Karnataka: A Cross-  
Sectional Study  
1 Rajani. A, 2 Prof. T. T. Basavanagouda  
1 PhD Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, Karnatak University, Dharwad  
2 Senior Professor and Chairman, Department of Anthropology, Karnatak University, Dharwad  
Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 18 November 2025; Published: 18 November 2025  
ABSTRACT  
Tribal populations in India represent a significant segment of socio-cultural diversity, yet they remain among the  
most socio-economically marginalized groups. Understanding their demographic and social profiles is crucial  
for developing effective policies and interventions. This cross-sectional study examined the socio-demographic  
characteristics of two tribal communities in Karnataka: the Jenu Kuruba, categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable  
Tribal Group (PVTG), and the Hakki Pikki, a Scheduled Tribe (ST). Data were collected from a total of 430  
adults (Jenu Kuruba: 210; Hakki Pikki: 220) as part of a doctoral field study conducted in selected tribal hamlets.  
Using a structured schedule, information was gathered on demographic, educational, occupational, economic,  
and infrastructural parameters. The findings revealed substantial inter-tribal differences. The Jenu Kuruba  
community had a higher proportion of illiterates and individuals engaged in daily wage labor, reflecting limited  
access to education and occupational mobility.  
In contrast, the HakkiPikki showed a relatively higher level of literacy and greater engagement in small  
businesses and self-employment, indicating exposure to semi-urban economies. Household infrastructure  
indicators, such as sanitation, access to safe drinking water, and the use of clean cooking fuel, were  
comparatively better among the HakkiPikki. The results highlight the persistence of socio-economic  
vulnerability among the Jenu Kuruba and a gradual transition among the Hakki Pikki toward improved living  
standards. These findings underscore the importance of tribe-specific development strategies and culturally  
sensitive policy planning to address disparities among Karnataka’s tribal communities.  
Keywords: Socio-demographic profile, PVTG, Scheduled Tribe, Jenu Kuruba, HakkiPikki, tribal livelihoods.  
INTRODUCTION  
Tribal populations in India constitute 8.6% of the national population, representing over 104 million people  
belonging to 705 recognized tribes (Census of India, 2011). Despite constitutional safeguards, most tribal groups  
continue to experience limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities (Ministry of Tribal  
Affairs, 2013). Within the broad category of Scheduled Tribes (STs), certain groups are recognized as  
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) based on criteria such as pre-agricultural technology, stagnant  
population, low literacy, and subsistence economy (Kshatriya & Acharya, 2016). Understanding the socio-  
demographic conditions of these communities is crucial for addressing structural inequalities and achieving  
inclusive development goals.  
Karnataka is home to several tribal groups, of which the Jenu Kuruba and HakkiPikki are significant. The Jenu  
Kuruba, a PVTG, traditionally rely on forest-based livelihoods such as honey collection and non-timber forest  
produce, often residing in remote forest fringes of Kodagu and Mysuru districts (Prabhakar et al., 2009). The  
HakkiPikki, on the other hand, are a semi-nomadic tribe known for their background in hunting and trading, now  
transitioning to a settled life with greater exposure to urban and market environments (Prashanth Kumar  
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&Shiddamallayya, 2015). These contrasting socio-economic pathways provide an opportunity to compare the  
demographic and livelihood structures of a PVTG and a Scheduled Tribe within the same ecological region.  
Previous research on tribal health and nutrition in India has primarily focused on undernutrition and disease  
prevalence (Meshram et al., 2014; Rao et al., 2006), while paying limited attention to the social determinants  
that underlie these outcomes. The socio-demographic profile, encompassing education, occupation, household  
income, sanitation, and access to resources, serves as a foundational indicator of tribal well-being (Radhika et  
al., 2020). Examining these dimensions can reveal intra-tribal variations that shape health, nutrition, and overall  
human development.  
The present study aims to describe and compare the socio-demographic and household characteristics of the  
Jenu Kuruba (PVTG) and Hakki Pikki (ST) communities in Karnataka. By identifying the social and economic  
disparities between these two groups, the study contributes to an anthropological understanding of inequality  
and development among tribal populations in South India.  
MATERIALS AND METHODS  
Study Design and Setting  
This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the doctoral research work of the first  
author in the Department of Anthropology, Karnatak University, Dharwad. The study aimed to document and  
compare the socio-demographic characteristics of two tribal communities in Karnataka—Jenu Kuruba,  
categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and HakkiPikki, listed as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).  
The fieldwork was conducted across selected tribal hamlets located in Mysuru and Kodagu districts, which are  
known for their significant distribution of tribal populations.  
Study Population and Sampling  
The study population consisted of adult members (≥18 years) from the Jenu Kuruba and HakkiPikki  
communities. A total of 430 participants were included, comprising 210 Jenu Kuruba and 220 HakkiPikki  
individuals. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling method, ensuring representation from both  
genders and different age groups. The inclusion criteria consisted of individuals residing in the selected hamlets  
for at least one year and who were willing to participate voluntarily. Individuals with severe illness or those  
unavailable during the survey period were excluded.  
Data Collection Tools and Procedure  
Data were collected using a structured socio-demographic schedule designed by the researcher and validated by  
academic experts. The schedule comprised questions across the following domains:  
1. Demographic Variables: Age, gender, and marital status.  
2. Educational and Occupational Profile: Literacy level, highest educational attainment, and current  
occupation.  
3. Economic Indicators: Monthly household income, landholding size, and indebtedness.  
4. Household and Environmental Conditions: Type of housing, toilet and bathroom facilities, drinking water  
source, drainage system, lighting, and cooking fuel.  
5. Livelihood and Subsistence Practices: Agricultural engagement and livestock ownership.  
Of the above, only specific domains are considered for discussion in this article. All responses were recorded  
through face-to-face interviews conducted in the local Kannada dialect with the help of trained field assistants  
familiar with the tribal communities. Field observations complemented the questionnaire data to ensure  
contextual accuracy.  
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Ethical Considerations  
This study forms part of the PhD fieldwork approved by the Doctoral Committee, Department of Anthropology,  
Karnatak University, Dharwad. Prior informed consent was obtained from all participants before data collection.  
Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the study. Participants were briefed about the  
purpose of the study and their right to withdraw at any stage without penalty.  
Statistical Analysis  
Collected data were coded and entered into Microsoft Excel 2021 and analysed using Jamovi Statistical  
Software. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to  
describe the socio-demographic characteristics. Comparative analyses between the two tribes were performed  
using the Chi-square test for categorical variables and t-tests/ANOVA for continuous variables. Statistical  
significance was set at p < 0.05. The results are presented in tabular form, summarizing the distribution patterns  
and inter-tribal differences.  
RESULTS  
A total of 430 individuals participated in the study, comprising 220 HakkiPikki (51.2%) and 210 Jenu Kuruba  
(48.8%) adults. The overall findings indicate major differences in educational status, occupation, income, and  
infrastructure between the two tribal communities.  
Table 1. Age-wise Distribution of the Study Sample  
Age Group  
1625  
HakkiPikki  
Jenu Kuruba  
Total  
109  
52  
54  
43  
36  
26  
9
57  
61  
37  
28  
20  
7
2635  
3645  
4655  
5665  
6675  
Total  
115  
80  
64  
46  
16  
220  
210  
430  
The most significant proportion of respondents (≈approximately 54%) in both tribes belonged to the 2645-year  
age range, representing the productive working-age population. This result indicates a relatively young age  
structure, typical of rural tribal populations with lower life expectancy.  
Table 2. Gender-wise Distribution of Study Sample  
Gender  
Male  
HakkiPikki  
Jenu Kuruba  
Total  
215  
110  
110  
220  
105  
105  
210  
Female  
215  
Total  
430  
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Gender distribution was perfectly balanced among both tribes (50% males and 50% females), ensuring equitable  
gender representation in the study sample.  
Table 3. Educational Status  
Education Level  
Illiterate  
HakkiPikki  
46 (21.0%)  
Jenu Kuruba  
93 (44.3%)  
Total  
139  
Primary  
Secondary  
High School  
PUC  
73 (33.2%)  
44 (20.0%)  
34 (15.5%)  
15 (6.8%)  
8 (3.5%)  
220  
56 (26.7%)  
31 (14.8%)  
19 (9.0%)  
7 (3.3%)  
4 (1.9%)  
210  
129  
75  
53  
22  
Graduation  
Total  
12  
430  
Illiteracy was substantially higher among Jenu Kuruba (44.3%) than HakkiPikki (21%). Conversely, higher  
secondary and graduate education were more common among HakkiPikki, reflecting better access to educational  
opportunities.  
Table 4. Occupation of Respondents  
Occupation  
Agriculture  
HakkiPikki  
59 (26.8%)  
Jenu Kuruba  
76 (36.2%)  
Total  
135  
Dairy/Allied  
Salaried Job  
Housewife  
Self-Employed  
Unemployed  
Total  
21 (9.5%)  
27 (12.3%)  
48 (21.8%)  
44 (20.0%)  
21 (9.5%)  
220  
13 (6.2%)  
6 (2.9%)  
41 (19.5%)  
17 (8.1%)  
57 (27.1%)  
210  
34  
33  
89  
61  
78  
430  
Jenu Kuruba participants were primarily agricultural labourers and coolie workers, while HakkiPikki were more  
engaged in self-employment and allied activities, reflecting occupational diversification due to market exposure.  
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Table 5. Monthly Household Income  
The income distribution among the Hakki Pikki and Jenu Kuruba households shows notable variation across  
categories. Among the Hakki Pikki, 10.0% fall within the lowest income group of ≤ ₹1,000, while a slightly  
higher proportion, 15.7%, of Jenu Kuruba households are in this category. The majority of both communities  
are concentrated in the ₹1,001–₹5,000 range, comprising 35.9% of Hakki Pikki and 38.6% of Jenu Kuruba  
households. In the ₹5,001–₹7,000 bracket, 32.7% of Hakki Pikki and 28.6% of Jenu Kuruba households are  
represented. A smaller share falls in the ₹7,001–₹10,000 range, accounting for 18.6% of Hakki Pikki and 13.8%  
of Jenu Kuruba. Only a marginal proportion2.7% of Hakki Pikki and 3.3% of Jenu Kuruba households—  
report monthly incomes exceeding ₹10,000. Altogether, the sample consists of 220 Hakki Pikki and 210 Jenu  
Kuruba households, totaling 430.  
The majority of households in both groups earned below ₹7,000 per month; however, HakkiPikki had a slightly  
higher representation in the upper income brackets, indicating a modest economic advantage.  
Table 6. Landholding Pattern  
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A majority of Jenu Kuruba households were landless (62.9%), while 57.7% of HakkiPikki owned some land,  
reflecting relatively better settlement security.The charts show that most households in both communities are  
landless, with a higher proportion among Jenu Kuruba. Small landholdings below two acres form the next largest  
category for both groups. Medium and large holdings are less common, with Jenu Kuruba having fewer  
households in these categories compared to Hakki Pikki.  
Table 7. Source of Drinking Water  
Water Source  
Individual Tap  
HakkiPikki  
41 (18.6%)  
Jenu Kuruba  
29 (13.8%)  
Total  
70  
Common Tap  
Purifier Plant  
Well/Lake/Pond  
Total  
118 (53.6%)  
39 (17.7%)  
22 (10.0%)  
220  
82 (39.0%)  
19 (9.0%)  
80 (38.1%)  
210  
200  
58  
102  
430  
More than one-third of Jenu Kuruba households relied on unsafe water sources (wells, ponds), whereas most  
HakkiPikki used treated or tap water.  
Table 8. Livestock Ownership  
Livestock Type  
HakkiPikki  
41 (18.6%)  
Jenu Kuruba  
26 (12.4%)  
Dairy  
Goatery  
Poultry  
None  
34 (15.5%)  
18 (8.2%)  
18 (8.6%)  
12 (5.7%)  
154 (73.3%)  
127 (57.7%)  
HakkiPikki reported higher livestock ownership than Jenu Kuruba, indicating better access to productive assets  
for income diversification.  
Practice of Agriculture  
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Agriculture remains the mainstay of the Jenu Kuruba’s (62.4%) livelihood, whereas a majority of theHakkiPikki  
have moved away from traditional farming.  
In summary, these tables collectively show that HakkiPikki households are more literate, economically  
diversified, and better served by infrastructure. In contrast,Jenu Kuruba households continue to face barriers  
in education, income, sanitation, and land ownership underscoring the persistent socio-economic vulnerability  
among PVTGs.  
DISCUSSION  
The present study provides an in-depth understanding of the socio-demographic and household characteristics  
of two tribal communities in Karnataka: theJenu Kuruba, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and  
the Hakki Pikki, a Scheduled Tribe (ST). The findings highlight the persistent socio-economic gap between these  
two groups, reflecting the heterogeneity of India’s tribal population.  
Demographic Structure  
Both communities were characterized by a young population, with a majority belonging to the 2645-year age  
group. This pattern is consistent with national tribal demographic trends reported in the Census 2011 and  
subsequent NFHS-5 data, which show lower proportions of elderly individuals among Scheduled Tribes  
compared to the general population (Census of India, 2011; NFHS-5, 2021). The near-equal gender distribution  
in both tribes suggests demographic stability. However, the slightly higher widowhood rate among Jenu Kuruba  
may reflect socio-economic hardships and reduced life expectancy linked to poverty and occupational stress.  
Educational Attainment  
The study reveals striking educational disparities. Nearly 44% of Jenu Kuruba participants were illiterate,  
compared to 21% among HakkiPikki, aligning with reports that PVTGs in India exhibit the lowest literacy rates  
among all tribal categories (Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 2013; Kshatriya & Acharya, 2016). The limited access to  
schooling among the Jenu Kuruba can be attributed to their forest-based habitation, the remoteness of schools,  
and their economic dependency on daily labor. In contrast, the HakkiPikki, being semi-urbanized and mobile,  
have benefited from improved educational exposure and state-led inclusion programs. Similar inter-tribal  
variations in literacy have been observed in Odisha and Jharkhand, where PVTGs lag behind other Scheduled  
Tribes in literacy and school retention (Meshram et al., 2014; Radhika et al., 2020).  
Occupational and Economic Conditions  
Occupational patterns further illustrate this structural gap. The Jenu Kuruba remain dependent on unskilled  
agricultural labor and daily wage work, while HakkiPikki have diversified into self-employment, trading, and  
allied services. This transition among HakkiPikki mirrors trends described in other semi-urbanized tribes of  
southern India, where mobility and market linkages have facilitated occupational shifts (Prashanth Kumar  
&Shiddamallayya, 2015).  
Income patterns followed a similar trajectory. While both groups fall within low-income brackets, the proportion  
of households earning above ₹7,000 per month was higher among HakkiPikki. Landholding data revealed that  
two-thirds of Jenu Kuruba households were landless, compared to less than half among HakkiPikki. This  
landlessness perpetuates economic vulnerability and food insecurity, as also observed among other PVTGs in  
India (Venkaiah et al., 2002; Meshram et al., 2014).  
Household Infrastructure and Amenities  
The disparity in living standards was evident in access to drinking water. Reliance on open water sources and  
firewood among the Jenu Kuruba indicates infrastructural deprivation and continued environmental dependency.  
Access to electricity and improved drainage were substantially higher among HakkiPikki, consistent with their  
semi-urban settlement pattern. The findings align with NFHS-5 data, which indicate that only 6570% of rural  
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tribal households in Karnataka report electricity access, compared to over 90% among urban and peri-urban  
groups (NFHS-5, 2021).  
Livelihood and Subsistence Practices  
Agriculture remains the principal occupation for 62% of Jenu Kuruba, whereas only 38% of HakkiPikki are  
engaged in farming. This shift among HakkiPikki away from agriculture toward small trade and service reflects  
an ongoing livelihood transition. Livestock ownership, a key livelihood asset, was also higher among the  
HakkiPikki (42%) than among the Jenu Kuruba (27%), highlighting differential access to resources. These  
findings are consistent with anthropological observations that tribal adaptation varies in response to exposure to  
market systems and mobility (Heggade& Bhat, 2019; Kshatriya & Acharya, 2016).  
Anthropological Interpretation  
From an anthropological perspective, the Jenu Kuruba represent a relatively isolated, forest-dependent tribal  
group undergoing slow socio-economic change, while the HakkiPikki illustrate a transitional community  
integrating into market and urban economies. The dual pattern of persistence and transition reflects what Rao et  
al. (2006) termed “asymmetrical modernization” among Indian tribes, where exposure to external systems leads  
to uneven development across communities.  
The socio-demographic gap observed here also reflects the broader processes of marginalization within  
marginalization, where PVTGs like the Jenu Kuruba remain excluded even within tribal development  
frameworks (Popkin et al., 2020). The persistence of low education, high landlessness, and poor sanitation  
among Jenu Kuruba underscores the need for targeted interventions that go beyond universal tribal welfare  
schemes and focus on contextual, culturally sensitive development models.  
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS  
The present study provides a comprehensive socio-demographic overview of two tribal communities in  
KarnatakaJenu Kuruba, categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and HakkiPikki, a  
Scheduled Tribe (ST). The comparison reveals distinct patterns of social and economic differentiation shaped  
by ecological setting, livelihood practices, and exposure to modernization.  
The Jenu Kuruba community continues to experience multiple layers of deprivationhigh illiteracy,  
landlessness, dependence on daily wage labor, and limited access to sanitation and safe drinking water. Their  
socio-economic profile mirrors the characteristic vulnerabilities of PVTGs documented nationally (Kshatriya &  
Acharya, 2016; Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 2019). In contrast, the HakkiPikki have demonstrated greater social  
mobility and adaptation to semi-urban conditions, characterized by higher literacy rates, diversified occupations,  
and improved housing and infrastructural facilities. These differences demonstrate the heterogeneity within tribal  
populations and the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all development models.  
From an anthropological standpoint, these findings illustrate the asymmetric modernization of tribal  
communities, where particular groups transition rapidly toward integration, while others remain trapped in  
structural isolation (Rao et al., 2006). The results emphasize that tribal development cannot be achieved solely  
through uniform policy interventions but requires context-specific strategies that consider the unique ecological,  
economic, and cultural contexts of each community.  
Policy Implications  
1. Education: Tailored literacy programs for PVTGs, such as Jenu Kuruba, should prioritize community-  
based schooling, mobile education units, and incentives for school retention, especially among girls.  
2. Livelihood Development: Sustainable livelihood initiatives focusing on non-timber forest products,  
honey collection, and small-scale agriculture should be strengthened for Jenu Kuruba. For HakkiPikki,  
microenterprise and skill development programs can enhance their ongoing economic transition.  
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3. Infrastructure and Sanitation: Enhanced access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and clean energy should  
be integrated with tribal housing schemes to improve living standards, particularly in forest-fringe  
settlements.  
4. Targeted Tribal Policy: Development programs should recognize intra-tribal variation. While HakkiPikki  
benefits from schemes promoting entrepreneurship, Jenu Kuruba requires focused welfare measures  
addressing food security and primary education.  
5. Participatory Planning: Involving tribal communities in local governance and decision-making processes  
ensures that interventions align with indigenous values, autonomy, and cultural identity.  
CONCLUSION  
In conclusion, this study underscores that even within the same geographic and cultural landscape, tribal  
communities exhibit divergent trajectories of development. The HakkiPikki represent a semi-integrated tribal  
group experiencing socio-economic transition, while the Jenu Kuruba remain among the most marginalized,  
facing persistent barriers to education, livelihood diversification, and sanitation. Recognizing these disparities is  
crucial for shaping inclusive, evidence-based policies that align with India’s commitment to Sustainable  
Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced  
Inequalities).  
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