5.3. Who are Adivasis?

Adivasis – the term literally means ‘original inhabitants’ – are communities who lived, and often continue to live, in close association with forests. Around 8 per cent of India’s population is Adivasi and many of India’s most important mining and industrial centres are located in Adivasi areas – Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Bhilai among others.

Adivasis are referred to as the original inhabitants of India and are communities that traditionally lived in and around forests. They form about 8% of India's total population. Many important industrial areas in India, such as Jamshedpur and Rourkela, are found in regions where these Adivasi communities reside.

Think of Adivasis like the first settlers on a new island. Just as these settlers have special knowledge about their land and its resources, Adivasis have a rich understanding of the forests and their ecological systems, which have been passed down through generations.

Adivasis are not a homogeneous population: there are over 500 different Adivasi groups in India. Adivasis are particularly numerous in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and in the north-eastern states.

Adivasis consist of more than 500 distinct groups, which means they have different cultures, languages, and practices. They are primarily concentrated in certain Indian states, indicating that their lifestyles and traditions can vary widely based on their geography.

Imagine a colorful tapestry made up of threads that represent different cultures. Each Adivasi group adds its unique thread, contributing to the rich diversity of India's cultural fabric.

Adivasis practise a range of belief systems that are different from other religions. These often involve the worship of ancestors, village and nature spirits. The village spirits are often worshipped at specific sacred groves while the ancestral ones are usually worshipped at home.

Adivasi communities hold varied belief systems that often center around nature and ancestral spirits. This means that their practices might include rituals or ceremonies focused on elements of nature and the environment, highlighting a deep connection to their surroundings.

Think of Adivasi worship like caring for a family tradition; just as you may celebrate family history during gatherings, Adivasis honor their ancestors and the natural world through their religious practices, reinforcing their identity and values.

In India, we usually ‘showcase’ Adivasi communities in ways that lead us to think of them as being ‘exotic’ and ‘backward’. Adivasis are often portrayed in stereotypical ways – in colourful costumes, headgear, and through their dancing. This leads to a misunderstanding of the realities of their lives.

Adivasis are often depicted in media and representations that focus on colorful costumes and traditional dances, which can lead to stereotypes that they are primitive or not developed. This representation neglects their real struggles, cultures, and contemporary issues.

It's like judging a book by its cover. Just as a book’s cover doesn't tell you the full story inside, the stereotypical images of Adivasis do not reflect the complexities of their everyday lives and struggles.

Forests were absolutely crucial to the development of all empires and settled civilisations in India. Adivasis had a deep knowledge of, access to, as well as control over most of these vast tracts until the middle of the nineteenth century.

Historically, Adivasis maintained a significant relationship with forests, utilizing their resources sustainably. This interaction was crucial for their survival and for the broader civilizations that relied on forest products. Over time, however, their control over these lands has diminished.

Imagine if you were the caretaker of a beautiful garden, knowing every plant, flower, and tree inside it. If someone else suddenly took control and restricted your access, it would not only affect your livelihood but also the health of the garden itself. Similarly, Adivasis have been pushed out of their lands, impacting their culture and resource management.

Since the 1830s, Adivasis have increasingly been forced to migrate due to economic changes and political actions, losing their traditional lands and livelihoods. They often become workers in plantations, construction sites, and other harsh jobs.

Economic changes and government policies have pushed many Adivasis away from their homes and traditional ways of life. They often end up in cities working for low wages under tough conditions, which can lead to a cycle of poverty and loss of cultural identity.

Think about a family that has to leave their home because a new highway is being built. They might have to move to a new city, where they face difficulties finding work and adjusting to a new life, resembling the struggles of Adivasis who are uprooted from their ancestral lands.

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