KNOW JHARKHAND

The Adivasis of Jharkhand

The nascent State of Jharkhand was born on 15th November 2000 out of Bihar State in India.  It has a total population of about 26 million people.  Its total land area covers around 80,000 Sq.Kms. of plateau of uneven topography.  It is literally a mine of all the important minerals and forest resources of the country.  This has led to industrialization at a very fast space.

There are more than 30 distinct Adivasi communities listed as "scheduled tribes" living in Jharkhand.  Among them the most dominant communities are  the Santals, the Oraons, the Mundas, the Hos and the Kharias.  All these have their distinct language and culture.  These major tribes are all settled agriculturists.

Jharkhand has a distinct identity historically.  Jharkhand is a name given by the Mogul Emperors when they came in contact in the 15th century.  It means a forest tract because at the time it was a dense forest of majestic sal tree full of wild animals including elephants, tigers and snakes.  Historically the region was administratively divided into 4 areas : the Santal Parganas, Chotanagpur, Kolhan and Palamau all of which may have originated from the self governing village councils. 

In the course of time people from outside came as traders and service holders in the traditional system of government.  With them came much of the cultural influence and values.  But it was during the British administration that the people got uprooted from their land  because the administration gave recognition to those rights on land which were  supported by documents issued by it. 

The Adivasis of Jharkhand still cherish the aspiration for a decentralized governing system in which each citizens will have an equal rights over the decision making process.  However, things have changed and there is uphill task despite the birth of a new State of Jharkhand. 

Source: http://www.vikasmaitri.org/adivasi.htm