The Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Kargil campus, UoL was established in 2021 and formally

inaugurated by the honorable Vice Chancellor Shri. C. Phunsog (Retd. IAS) on 24 th July 2021. It is

one of the newly established research institutions of the University of Ladakh for conducting

research on socio-economic aspects, language and culture of the tribes of Ladakh and trans-

Himalayan regions besides evaluating various developmental schemes taken up for the benefit of

tribes.

The institute aims to deal with fundamental and applied research works on documentation of tribal

art and culture, evaluation, preservation of tribal cultural heritage, publication of research studies,

and give inputs to the government for framing policies for the welfare of tribal communities in

Ladakh. The institute would also focus on its core responsibilities as a body of knowledge, capacity

building of tribals and institutions associated with tribal affairs, dissemination of information and

creation of awareness.

The newly created Union Territory of Ladakh is predominantly a tribal region in the country.

According to the 2001 Census, the total tribal population in the Ladakh region is 97 percent, yet this

tribal area has never been studied and explored in a tribal context. To bridge this gap, the institute

would conduct interdisciplinary research with a focus on its distinct tribal economy, history, health,

education, language, and culture.

The institute aims to build up repositories of data on tribes, tribal welfare and artifacts of the tribes of

Ladakh such as a library, tribal mud house, museum and Data bank.

The institute is intend to undertake various policy oriented programmes and projects on

environmental and developmental problems of the tribes across Ladakh and try to evolve packages

and delivery systems for sustainable development of the tribes in harmony with ecology, economy

and culture.

It also looks to fostering active networking and liaisoning with related research institutions,

universities, non-governmental organizations and researchers across India and the world. The

institute would periodically organize seminars, workshops, conferences and exhibitions of tribal art

and artifacts.

With the support from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Government of India and funding agencies,

the institute under the aegis of the University of Ladakh would strive for its growth and work to

translate the Tribal Research Institute's ten years prospective plan into action in the years to come.