Explanation – The Chenchu are an indigenous tribal group primarily found in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha. The Chenchu are considered one of the oldest aboriginal tribes in India. They are mentioned in ancient Indian texts like the Manu Smriti, which describes them as early inhabitants of the Andhra Pradesh region. The Chenchu primarily inhabit the Nallamala forest region, particularly in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) which spans parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Some Chenchu communities are also found in Karnataka and Odisha. They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Traditionally, the Chenchu were nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on the forest for their sustenance.

Source: AIR