Tribal identities today are formed by the interactional process and not by the original or ancient characteristics peculiar to the tribes.

When the tribal identities interacted with the mainstream there have been unfavourable experiences for them due to which the tribal identities resist and oppose the overwhelming force of the non-tribal world.

The positive impact of success is moderated by continuing problems.

The states like Manipur and Nagaland are declared as disturbed areas and therefore the citizens of those States do not have same rights as the other citizens of India, this limits the civil liberties of the citizens.

Another significant development is the gradual emergence of an educated middle class among tribal communities. In conjunction with policies of reservation, education is creating and organised professional class and now the tribal societies can be differentiated as developed classes and other classes.