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The community has achieved a literacy rate of over 72%, a remarkable accomplishment for a group classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Indian government. 

About Siddi tribal community

• The Siddi tribal community is an ethnically unique group with African roots, primarily descended from Bantu peoples of East Africa.
• They are present in India and Pakistan, with a substantial population residing mainly in the western and southwestern states of India, such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• The Siddis are believed to have arrived in India during the 7th century via Arab traders and later brought by Portuguese and British colonial
• Their African origin is evident in their physical features, and have historically retained distinct cultural traits despite long-standing integration into Indian society.
• The community has a rich cultural heritage characterized by unique traditions, music, and dance forms such as Dhamal and Rasda, which reflect their African roots.
• They primarily speak languages including Konkani, Urdu, and Marathi depending on the region.

The government declared the Siddis as a Scheduled Tribe in 2003 and listed them as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

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