Chhotelal Kumar Adivasis are often referred to as ‘aboriginal’, ‘autochthonous’, or ‘tribal’. However, the government classified them as Scheduled Tribes, which is more of an administrative status than a meaningful community classification. This classification generalises everyone, and it is an example of colonial continuity. However, there is a distinction between being Adivasi and being Tribal. …
Land Dispossession: Attack On Adivasiness
Chhotelal Kumar Adivasis’ claims over land do not just demand material rights but also the recognition of their unique identity or, in other words, Adivasiness. Adivasis of Jharkhand recently marched over 175 kilometres from Latehar to Ranchi over four days to stage a dharna in front of Raj Bhawan on Monday, April 25 and submit …
Sanghi agenda: Religious polarisation among Adivasi communities
Chhotelal Kumar The Adivasi is frequently mistaken as a “noble savage” who leads a primitive lifestyle. His social and cultural traditions are perceived as unsophisticated and based on superstitions. In central India, tribals have their own religions, the most notable of which is Sarna, followed by Adivasis of Chotanagpur, and Koyapun, followed by Gonds …
Adivasis of mainland and Tribes of North East: A brief discussion on differences in development
Chhotelal Kumar In general, Adivasis are also known as Tribals, as Aboriginal or Autochthonous people, or Vanvasi. The tribal population of the country, as per the 2011 census, is 104.3 million, constituting 8.6% of the total population. And only 10.03 % of the population live in urban areas. Several scholars have classified the tribal population—like …
Adivasis Are Not ‘Noble Savages’ – A Brief Reminder
Chhotelal Kumar The mainstream has always viewed Adivasis as ‘alien people’. In our common sense, they are ‘Noble Savages’ who live away from modern complexities in jungles. But while making such a point, we often forget to explore realities. The terming of Adivasis (who were classified as Scheduled Tribes during colonial times) as Noble Savages …