In order to make a correct appraisal of the problems of tribals in the light of their distinctive life and culture, Government of India had sponsored a programme during IIIrd Five Year Plan to start Tribal Research and Training Institute in all such states of the country which had more than one million tribal population. Under this programmes, a proposal to start such an Institute in the Gujarat State was submitted by the Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad which is a deemed University founded by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1920. Accordingly with its full financial commitment, the State Government set-up this Institute at the Gujarat Vidyapith in June 1962.

This Institute is a premier organisation for Research and Training in welfare and culture of the Scheduled tribes. Its activity also cover similar programmes for Scheduled castes and also other Backward Communities. The Institute has in the main three sections - Research, Training and Museum.