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  • “Major Tribal Rebellions of Jharkhand: A Detailed Analysis of History, Causes and Impacts”

    ❖ Etymology and Meaning of the Word “Sadan”

    • Derived from ‘sad’, meaning:
      • To sit, reside, or assemble.
    • Other associated meanings:
      • Sadya – immediate, new, fresh.
      • Sad – good, true.
    • Sadans are considered:
      • The first settlers of Jharkhand.
      • New residents who made the land their home.
    • Associated with Shivpriya (Naag Priya) land, where Naga caste is dominant.

    ❖ Socio-Cultural Aspects of the Sadan Community

    • Worship places called Sarna, located in open spaces like:
      • Mahadev Manda, Devi Gudi.
    • Temples were constructed later due to external influences.
    • Cultural values based on equality and cooperation:
      • Sahiya-Madait (cooperative systems).
    • Marriage customs:
      • Bride price (Daali Daam) instead of dowry.
      • Entire village participates in the marriage of a daughter.

    ❖ Relationship Between Sadans and Tribal Communities

    • Sadans were present before the arrival of major tribes (Munda, Oraon, Kharia, etc.).
    • Primitive Sadan groups include:
      • Naga, Asur, Sarak tribes.
    • Coexistence with incoming tribal communities.
    • Over time, a fusion of languages, songs, music, and cultures occurred.

    ❖ Classification of Sadans

    1. Ancient Original Sadans – Indigenous residents of Jharkhand.
    2. Medieval Settlers – Brought by kings from other states; ~75% assimilated as Jharkhandi.
    3. Newcomers – Traders and professionals; ~50% Jharkhandi cultural influence.
    4. Recent Migrants – Arrived post-1932; weak Jharkhandi identity.

    Major Scheduled Tribes of Jharkhand (As per Census 2011)

    S.No.TribeDistrict / DivisionPopulationPercentageLanguage
    1SantalSanthal Pargana27,54,72331.86%Santali
    2OraonRanchi17,16,61819.85%Kurukh
    3MundaRanchi12,29,22114.21%Mundari
    4HoSinghbhum9,28,28910.73%Ho
    5KharwarPalamu2,48,9742.87%Kharwari

    ❖ Language and Culture of Sadans

    • Sadani language (now called Nagpuri) was once the official language under the Nagvanshi rule.
    • Despite dialectical differences, a shared cultural sentiment prevails.
    • Folk dances include:
      • Fagua, Thadiya, Umkach, Uidhra, Jhumar, etc.

    ❖ Economic and Social Contributions

    • Significant role in:
      • Agriculture, metalwork (iron-copper), craftsmanship, and trade.
    • Traditional systems like:
      • Madhait Pratha – collective labor.
      • Interest-free loan system – strengthened the rural economy.

    ❖ Current Status of Sadans in Jharkhand

    • Important figures in the freedom struggle:
      • Pandey Ganpat Rai, Nilambar-Pitambar, etc.
    • After independence:
      • Decline in political voice.
      • Marginalisation after Jharkhand was declared a tribal state by the Bhuria Committee.

    ❖ Major Sadan-Associated Tribes

    • Birjhia, Cheek Baraik, Godait, Karmali, Lohra, Mahli, Kisan, Asur, etc.

    ❖ Highlights of Major Tribes in Jharkhand

    ▸ Oraon

    • Occupation: Farming; now also in industry and services.
    • Literacy (2011):
      • Total: 67%
      • Male: 72.9%
      • Female: 52.4%
    • Religion: Traditional and Christian (due to missionary influence).

    ▸ Munda

    • Race: Australoid
    • Language: Mundari (Austro-Asiatic)
    • Population (2011): 12,29,221
    • Residence: 89.6% rural
    • Key traditions:
      • Chief: Hatumunda
      • Council: Padha, led by Padha Raja
      • Deity: Singbonga
    • Marriage rules:
      • No intra-tribe or same-gotra marriage.
      • Widow remarriage allowed.
    • Literacy (2011): 62.6%

    ▸ Kharwar

    • Regions: Palamu, Latehar, Garhwa, Lohardaga, Ranchi.
    • Family: Patriarchal.
    • Marriage: Inter-gotra mandatory; child marriage exists.
    • Occupation: Agriculture, hunting, labor.
    • Literacy (2011): 56.4%

    ▸ Kharia

    • Subgroups: Hill, Dhelki, Doodh Kharia
    • Population (2011): 1,96,135
    • Village governance: Padha and Doklo Sohor
    • Chief: Pradhan
    • Marriage: Gotra system, but intra-gotra allowed.
    • Literacy: 65.9%

    ▸ Vedia

    • Origin: Possibly related to Kurmi or Munda.
    • Residence: Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Singhbhum.
    • Marriage: Endogamy prohibited; bride price system.
    • Literacy: 58%

    ▸ Bhumij

    • Origin: Subgroup of Munda.
    • Region: Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Singhbhum.
    • Marriage: No same-gotra or inter-caste marriage.
    • Population (2011): 2,09,448

    ▸ Big Tribe

    • Region: Singhbhum
    • Population (2011): 3,464
    • Occupation: Forest products, labor.

    ▸ Lohara

    • Clan: Descendants of Asur.
    • Traditional work: Iron smelting.
    • Population (2011): 2,16,226
    • Literacy: 56.2%

    ▸ Mahli

    • Clan: Dravidian
    • Occupation: Bamboo and wood products.
    • Sub-castes: Bamboo Mahli, Silkhi Mahli, Tanti Mahli.
    • Literacy (2011): 152,663 literate

    Table 7.4 – Population of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)

    S.No.NamePopulation (2001)Population (2011)Literacy Rate (%)
    1Birhor7,51410,72634.5
    2Parhiya20,78625,58533.1
    3Mal Pahadia1,15,0931,35,79739.6
    4Sambar6,0049,68833.7
    5Sauria Pahadia31,05046,22239.7
    6Hill Kharia1,64,0221,96,13565.9
    7Korba27,17735,60637.9
    8Asur10,34722,45946.9
    9Birjia5,3656,27650.2

    ❖ PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups)

    • Key PVTGs:
      • Mal Pahadia, Parhiya, Savar/Sanwar, Birjia, Birhor, Asur.
    • Prominent populations:
      • Mal Pahadia: 1,35,797
      • Hill Kharia: 1,96,135

    Scheduled Tribe Population Distribution (in Percentage)

    DistrictPercentage (%)
    Koderma0.96%
    Garhwa15.54%
    Palamu9.34%
    Chatra12.13%
    Giridih9.74%
    Deoghar7.02%
    Hazaribagh7.02%
    Ramgarh21.19%
    Bokaro12.4%
    Dhanbad1.66%
    Sahebganj28.41%

    Tribal Language, Festivals, Dance, Music, and Painting

    SubjectDescription
    LanguagesSantali, Mundari, Kurukh, Khortha, Nagpuriya, Sadri, Kharia, Pachparganiya, Ho, Malto, Karmali, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali
    FestivalsSarhul, Karma, Sohrai, Badna, Eid, Christmas, Holi, Dussehra
    Folk DancesAkhariya, Domkach, Jhumar, Fagua, Pawas
    Musical InstrumentsMandar, Dhol, Dhak, Dhamsa, Flute, Kartal, Shehnai etc.
    PaintingsSantali Wall Paintings, Oraon Wall Paintings

    Additional Information

    • Region: Santhal Pargana
    • Population (2011): 32,786
    • Literacy Rate: 55.5%
    • Marriage Tradition: Exogamous (outside the same clan)
    • Death Rites: Burial tradition

  • Traditional Tribal Justice and Government system in Jharkhand

    Self-Governance System of Mundas

    • Language: Mundari (Austro-Asiatic Family)
    • Main Areas of Residence: Ranchi, Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Dhanbad
    • Population: Approximately 12.29 Lakhs
    • Main Purpose: Settlement of social, religious, economic, cultural, and criminal matters.

    Key Positions and Roles

    • Munda: Head of the village; leads administration, judicial functions, and tax collection.
    • Padha Raja: Head of a group of 12-20 villages (Padha); handles complex disputes (Honorarium: ₹1000).
    • Raja: Head of 22 Padhas; high-level decision-maker.
    • Thakur: Assistant to the Padha Raja.
    • Diwan: Minister of the Raja; responsible for implementation of orders (Garh Diwan and Raj Diwan).
    • Barkandaz (Soldier): Distributes notices; ensures security in Sabha.
    • Pandey: Responsible for the protection of documents and issuing notices.
    • Lal (Bardalal, Majhalal, Chhotelal): Acts as a lawyer-like debater in Sabha.
    • Pahan: Assistant to Munda; oversees religious functions.
    • Priest Pahan: Conducts worship during festivals.
    • Mahato: Distributes information; assistant to Munda and Pahan.
    • Purification Work: Involved in priestly duties.
    • Ghatwar: Distributes punishment materials.
    • Chawar Dolait: Responsible for washing hands and feet in Sabha.
    • Paan Khawas: Distributes lime-tobacco in Sabha.

    Dispute Resolution Process

    1. First Stage:
      • The aggrieved person informs the Munda.
      • Mahato spreads the information across the village.
      • A hearing takes place in the village Sabha.
      • Decision: Financial penalty or social boycott.
    2. Second Stage:
      • If unresolved at the village level, a Padha Sabha is convened.
      • Information is disseminated through Diwan and Barkandaz.
    3. Third Stage:
      • If unresolved in the Padha Sabha, the matter is taken to the Mahasabha of 22 Padharajas.
      • Final Decision: The decision is final and binding.

    Contributions of the Traditional System in Various Fields

    • Criminal Cases: Economic penalty; decisions based on human values.
    • Sexual Atrocities: Strict punishment; responsibility of the girl in case of marriage.
    • Development Work: Construction of roads, wells, and canals through Shramdaan (voluntary labor).
    • Land Disputes: Fair distribution by Munda.
    • Religious Work: Pahan sets the dates for religious activities.
    • Rights of Women: Limited rights on land for maintenance.
    • Hereditary Rights: The post is handed over only to eligible heirs.

    Akhada and Collective Decision Making

    • Location: Middle of the village, often under a tree (if available).
    • Function: Collective discussion and morality-based decisions; ensures quick and low-cost justice.

    Padha Panchayat Governance System (Uraon Tribe)

    Village Panchayat

    • Main Officials: Mahto (Chief), Pahan (Priest), Bhandari (Messenger).
    • Function: Dispute settlement, disaster management, and festival organization.

    Padha Panchayat

    • Group: 9-12 villages.
    • Chief: Padha Raja.
    • Other Officials: Diwan, Minister, Kotwar, Panbhara.
    • Function: Acts as an appellate court and enforces social rules.
    • Special Note: The “Mudma Mela” of Ranchi district is a prominent example of Padha Panchayat’s influence.

    Relationship Between Mahto and Padha Raja

    • The Mahto works under the Padha Raja.
    • The Padha Raja does not intervene without the Mahto’s request.

    Manki-Munda Self-Rule System

    Historical Background

    • Prevalent in western and eastern Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan districts.
    • Prior to British rule, the Porahat (Singhbhum) king ruled, but the ‘Ho’ community was not directly controlled by the king.

    Changes After British Rule

    • In 1821, the British occupied southern Singhbhum and named it Kolhan Government State. Captain Thomas Wilkinson was appointed in 1837 for administration.
    • Wilkinson Rule:
      • Munda: Hears civil cases.
      • Manki: Hears criminal cases.

    Objectives of Administration in Kolhan

    • Maintain local governance.
    • Establish a direct relationship between the government and the people.
    • Settle disputes through village panchayats.
    • Prevent the entry of outsiders into the area.

    Rights and Duties of Manki

    • Hereditary Post (Marusi): Manki’s role is hereditary.
    • Chief and Responsible Officer: Oversees the Peed (region).
    • Revenue Collection: Works with Munda for revenue collection; entitled to a 10% commission.
    • Police Officer: Arrests criminals and hands them over to authorities.
    • Government Orders: Acts in accordance with government orders.
    • Dispute Resolution: Resolves smaller disputes and reports to the Deputy Commissioner.

    Rights and Duties of Munda

    • Represents the village and its autonomy.
    • Has the right to settle fallow land.
    • Informs the government about the settlement of outsiders.
    • Oversees public resources in the village.
    • Acts as a police officer; reports crimes to district administration.
    • Ensures forest conservation and law enforcement.

    Other Key Officials in Kolhan

    • Manki Committee: Resolves complex disputes.
    • Dakuamunda: Assistant to Munda; informs about meetings.
    • Tehsildar: Assistant to Manki; handles revenue collection.
    • Diuri: Responsible for religious worship and social crime resolution.
    • Travel Diuri: Participates in worship of village deities.

    Manjhi-Pargana Governance System (Santhal Pargana)

    Structure

    • Parganait: Head of 15-20 villages.
    • Desh Manjhi / Mode Manjhi: Head of 5-8 villages.
    • Manjhi: Village head.
    • Pranik: Sub-Manjhi.
    • Godait: Secretary and Treasurer.
    • Jog Manjhi: Youth leadership.
    • Jog Pranik: Assistant to Jog Manjhi.
    • Bhagdo Praja: Leading member of Gram Sabha.
    • Laser Tangoy: Security head.
    • Naike: Head of religious functions.
    • Chowkidar: Responsible for catching criminals.

    Dispute Settlement Process

    1. Village-Level: Disputes are settled by the Manjhi.
    2. If Unresolved: The matter is escalated to the Desh Manjhi.
    3. Final Decision: The Parganait handles unresolved issues at the Parganait level.

    Criminal Case Resolution

    • Village-Level: Most crimes, except murder, are settled in the village.
    • Punishments: Ranges from a light penalty (karela danda) to a large monetary fine.
    • Payment Plans: If the criminal cannot pay, they are given a payment period.
    • Serious Crimes: No release is allowed for serious crimes.

    Settlement of Sexual Crimes

    • Reported by the victim or guardian.
    • A meeting is held where all parties (complainant, accused, and witness) present their case.
    • If Found Guilty:
      • A marriage proposal is made (if both parties agree).
      • If rejected, an appropriate punishment is imposed.

    Additional Traditional Systems

    1. Illegitimate Children and Marriage Laws:
      • Jog Manjhi: Assigned as the gotra for illegitimate children.
      • Daughters may be married with the consent of their father, and dowry is provided.
    2. Family and Village Disputes:
      • Disputes are first brought before the village’s Manjhi, and the matter is escalated if unresolved.
    3. Bitlaha Tradition:
      • Social ostracism is imposed if a person does not follow the punishment. The community works together to persuade the individual, and if ignored, a “Bitlaha” ceremony is held.
    4. Sohor Panchayat (Kharia Tribe):
      • Several villages form the Sohor Panchayat to resolve disputes not settled at the village level.
    5. Village-Level Panchayat System:
      • The Mahato and elders lead meetings to resolve disputes, especially related to land and festivals.
    6. Caste and Private Panchayat System:
      • Private Panchayats can be called for personal disputes, where decisions are made through trial by fire or oath.
    7. Santhal Panchayat System (Manjhi Than):
      • Five officers form the Panchayat: Manjhi, Pranik, Jog Manjhi, Jog Pranik, and Godait. Originally elected annually, the position became hereditary.
    8. Other Tribal Panchayats:
      • Other tribes like Bhumij, Chero, Oraon, Munda, Birhor, etc., had their separate panchayats with positions like Mahato, Dehri, Raja, Munda, Naya.

    Nagavanshi Governance System

    • King: Head of governance.
    • Allies: Army, landlords, jagirdars, Brahmins, Rajguru, and priests.
    • Revenue Administration: Managed by Diwan, Patwari, and Amin.
    • Parha Panchayats: Foundation of administration, though the influence of Kol and Oraon decreased over time, with Kayastha influence growing.