5.2.5. Adivasi Striggles

Like the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes are also social groups that are duly recognised by the Constitution of India. The jana or tribes were believed to be ‘people of the forest’ whose distinctive habitat in the hill and forest areas shaped their economic, social and political attributes.

This chunk highlights the constitutional recognition of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India, emphasizing that these groups, often referred to as 'Adivasis,' are considered original inhabitants linked intrinsically to forest environments. 'Jana' refers to tribes that traditionally resided in these areas, and their lifestyles are shaped significantly by their ecological surroundings.

Think of Adivasis as the original residents of a unique neighborhood (like a forest) whose culture and traditions thrive on the special attributes of that area. Just as every neighborhood has its unique identity shaped by the people living there, Adivasi communities have developed a distinct identity rooted in their historical relationship with nature.

The impoverished and exploited circumstances under which adivasis live can be traced historically to the pattern of accelerated resource extraction started by the colonial British government and continued by the government of independent India.

This part discusses how colonial policies led to the exploitation of Adivasi communities. The British colonial government focused on extracting resources from Adivasi lands, disrupting their traditional livelihoods and denying them access to the forests, which were crucial for their survival and economic independence. Post-Independence, similar patterns continued under development policies that prioritized resource extraction over Adivasi rights.

Imagine a family that has lived in a beautiful garden for generations, relying on the fruits and plants for their meals. One day, a large corporation arrives, cuts down the garden to build a factory, and tells the family they will now be employed to work in that factory. The family now struggles to find food, having lost access to their historical garden. This illustrates the impact of resource extraction on Adivasi communities.

After the Independence of India in 1947 the government’s monopoly over forests continued. The policy of capital-intensive industrialisation adopted by the Indian government required mineral resources and power-generation capacities which were concentrated in Adivasi areas.

In this segment, it's indicated that post-Independence policies continued to marginalize Adivasis by prioritizing industrial growth over their rights. The government claimed lands in Adivasi territories for mining and energy projects, often without fair compensation or rehabilitation, leading to significant displacement of Adivasi groups and further erosion of their traditional lifestyles.

Think of a farmer whose entire field is taken away to build a highway. The farmer is promised jobs in the construction but loses not only his land but also his means of livelihood. Such is the plight of many Adivasis as their lands are appropriated for ‘development’ projects that do not benefit them.

Like the term Dalit, the term Adivasi connotes political awareness and the assertion of rights. Literally meaning ‘original inhabitants’, the term was coined in the 1930s as part of the struggle against the intrusion by the colonial government and outside settlers and moneylenders.

This section discusses how the world 'Adivasi' signifies not just a demographic group but also a political identity associated with rights and resistance. Coined in the 1930s, it symbolizes a consolidated effort against external exploitation and a fight for self-determination, especially in light of historical injustices and contemporary struggles for land and resources.

The term Adivasi can be likened to a team rallying against a bully in school. The initial identity as 'the easy targets' morphs into a unified identity where individuals advocate for their rights and take a stand against unfair practices. The term represents empowerment and a joint struggle against marginalization.

In post-Independence India, the most significant achievements of Adivasi movements include the attainment of statehood for Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, which were originally part of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh respectively.

This final chunk focuses on the successes of Adivasi movements in India, citing the creation of separate states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh as vital milestones. These political achievements reflect the efforts and struggles of Adivasi groups to secure autonomy and recognition, enabling them to assert their rights more effectively compared to being marginalized within larger political structures.

Consider a group of friends forming their own club to decide their rules instead of following the norms set by the larger school administration. Their successful establishment of a club signifies their ability to control their environment and assert their collective identity, similar to how Adivasi movements have carved out political spaces for themselves.

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