Indigenous communities across the Indian subcontinent have, for millennia, practiced principles that align closely with what is now recognized as the circular economy. Their ways of life, deeply inter-twined with nature, establishing sustainable resource management and regenerative ecological systems. This research adopts a qualitative approach, relying on the analysis of existing case studies to explore how Indian tribal communities have historically embodied the essence of the circular economy. The study synthesizes insights from multiple documented cases, drawing upon ethnographic records, environmental studies, and community development reports to interpret the cyclical and sustainable nature of indigenous resource practices. The findings from these analyzed cases reveal that traditional Indian tribal societies have long implemented efficient and regenerative systems through locally developed knowledge frameworks. Practices such as zero-waste agriculture, where every by-product of cultivation is reused or reintegrated into the ecosystem, demonstrate remarkable ecological foresight. Community-based systems of sharing and collective ownership further minimize waste and ensure equitable distribution of resources. This study concludes that the traditional practices of Indian tribal communities represent well-established models of circular living long before the term “circular economy” was conceptualized in modern discourse. By revisiting and integrating these indigenous models into present-day sustainability frameworks, policymakers and environmental planners can develop holistic, culturally grounded strategies that not only promote resource efficiency but also strengthen community resilience and ecological harmony.