- Birsa Munda: Known as the tribal freedom fighter and folk hero, Birsa Munda led the Munda Rebellion against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. He remains an enduring symbol of tribal resistance and empowerment.
- Tribal Queen Rani Durgavati: Rani Durgavati was a Gond queen who ruled over the Gondwana kingdom in Central India during the 16th century. She is celebrated for her valor and leadership in defending her kingdom against Mughal forces.
- Jhalkari Bai: A Dalit warrior belonging to the Bhil community, Jhalkari Bai played a crucial role in the army of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Her bravery and devotion to the cause of freedom are remembered to this day.
- C. K. Janu: A prominent Adivasi activist from Kerala, C. K. Janu has been a vocal advocate for the rights of tribal communities, particularly regarding land rights and social justice issues.
- Gladson Dungdung: An indigenous activist and author, Gladson Dungdung works tirelessly for the rights of Adivasi communities in Jharkhand. His writings and advocacy shed light on the struggles faced by tribal peoples in contemporary India.
- Tribal Artist Jangarh Singh Shyam: Hailing from the Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh, Jangarh Singh Shyam gained international recognition for his vibrant and intricately detailed Gond art, which has become synonymous with tribal artistic expression in India.
- Sonam Wangchuk: While not from a tribal background himself, Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and innovator from Ladakh, has worked closely with tribal communities in the Himalayan region, pioneering sustainable solutions for education, water management, and environmental conservation.
- Tribal Writer Mahasweta Devi: Renowned for her literary works highlighting the plight of marginalized communities, including tribal peoples, Mahasweta Devi was a Bengali writer and social activist whose writings shed light on the struggles and resilience of tribal communities in India.
- Dayamani Barla: An indigenous activist from Jharkhand, Dayamani Barla has been at the forefront of movements advocating for the land and resource rights of Adivasi communities. She has been instrumental in organizing protests and campaigns to protect tribal lands from exploitation.
- Venkat Raman Singh Shyam: Another notable Gond artist, Venkat Raman Singh Shyam has gained acclaim for his contemporary interpretations of traditional Gond art forms. His work serves as a bridge between ancient tribal traditions and modern artistic expression.
These individuals represent just a fraction of the diverse and vibrant tribal cultures in India, each making invaluable contributions to the preservation, empowerment, and recognition of indigenous peoples in the country.