Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
![Scheduled castes distribution map in India by state and union territory according to 2011 Census.[1] Punjab had the highest % of its population as SC (~32%), while India's island territories and two northeastern states had 0%.[1]](/uploads/202501/08/2011_Census_Scheduled_Caste_caste_distribution_map_India_by_state_and_union_territory.svg4249.png)
![Scheduled Tribes distribution map in India by state and union territory according to 2011 Census.[1] Mizoram and Lakshadweep had the highest % of its population as ST (~95%), while Punjab and Haryana had 0%.[1]](/uploads/202501/08/2011_Census_Scheduled_Tribes_distribution_map_India_by_state_and_union_territory.svg4249.png)
The Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are official designations given to various groups of historically disadvantaged indigenous people in India. The terms are recognised in the Constitution of India and the various groups are designated in one or other of the categories. During the period of British rule in the Indian subcontinent, they were known as the Depressed Classes.