Indian tribes have a long history that predates the Harappan civilization. The literature of Ancient India makes reference to the existence of tribal groupings. The tribes have inhabited the hills and densely forested areas for thousands of years. They have not changed as a result of social, economic, or scientific developments. Many of these tribes have evolved their own unique way of life, traditions, and beliefs. They frequently make full use of the natural resources of their surroundings. Tribes can be found in the Andaman and Nicobar, Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, the north-east, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the north. Some tribal communities were uprooted as a result of the expansion of agriculture and the decrease of the forested areas. They have occasionally integrated into mainstream society more widely and modified their way of life. Some powerful tribes expanded into full-fledged states or kingdoms as well. The Indian government has taken a number of initiatives to assist tribal groups since independence.