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This paper delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the demand for a separate tribal religion, namely the Sarna Code, in India. The issue has divided society into two factions, with one side opposing the demand, arguing that tribal communities are an integral part of Hindu society and do not require a separate religious identity. They contend that the caste and tribe continuum in India has been disrupted by foreign influences, particularly the Mughals and British, who recognized tribal communities as separate religions. The other faction argues that recognizing distinct religious identities is necessary to safeguard the unique cultural and religious practices of tribal communities, which have long been marginalized and oppressed. This paper aims to examine the debate from a historical and anthropological perspective to shed light on the complexities of India's social, cultural, and political landscape. The paper begins by providing a brief background on the demand for the Sarna Code and the arguments put forth by both sides. It then delves into the historical and anthropological aspects of the issue, tracing the roots of the debate back to the colonial era and the British policies that led to the recognition of tribal communities as separate religions. The paper also explores the cultural and religious practices of tribal communities and the impact that recognizing a separate religious identity could have on their preservation.