Vikas Maitri
Voluntary Development Society in Jharkhand
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www.vikasmaitri.org |
website for rural and tribal development |
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Vikas Maitri |
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Voluntary Development Society in Jharkhand |
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I believe that adivasis are distinct from general categories of peoples because of their Weltanschauung rather than because of belonging to a particular race, no matter how ancient it may be. Many people have already expressed their appreciation for well grounded values in these societies such as sense of community spirit, equality, status of women and dignity of labour. Some are also of the opinion that despite the sophistication of development in today's world one should look at values cherished by these so called backward people for the achievement of the ideal of a just social order in our societies. In the context of India, many scholars are of the view that the indigenous beliefs and practices have contributed greatly in the shaping and enrichment as a whole of the general Indian religions and culture. The latest recognition is in the field of polity of administration. Mahatma Gandhi was very much impressed with the idea of self governance at the community level. This idea of alternative governance was given recognition by the framers of the Indian Constitution by incorporating Article 40 in which the state was advised to set up panchayats at the local level. The Constitution was further amended in 1991 to make it compulsory for the state to pass panchayat laws and to implement them. Panchayats are in fact a system of administration which continued throughout the ages, even though unrecognised by divine right kingship and the state, nevertheless important for the day to day life of the people. This system is a legacy of the ancient village republics which thrived in India before the rise of the Magadh empire in the 6th century B.C. The ancient Indian republics were not democracies in the modern sense. However, in this system communities and a large number of people had a direct say in the governance of the country. That such a system still exists at least symbolically in Jharkhand is itself proof that given favourable climate the system could work. In Jharkhand this system is called Parha but is not very well understood. The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 places due recognition to the customary law, social and religious practices and traditional management practices of community resources by the Adivasis. This is a report of eye witness account of the installation ceremony of one of the office bearer of this system which took place on 7th May 2006 at Siladon in Khunti Block some 48 K.M. from Ranchi city.
The installation of a new raja of Dere Sanga of Siladon village arose because of demise of Raja Ratan Singh Munda on 12.2.2004. His eldest son Sanicharai Munda (45) was chosen to be the new chief and an installation ceremony took place on 7.5.2006. Besides the local villagers the special guests invited were: Parha Maharaja Mangra Munda (Barla) Malgo All the Mundas (headmen) and Pahans (Priests) belonging to Dere Sanga Parha were present. The ceremony was started by a traditional procession in which the newly elected Parha Raja sat on a specially made cart pulled by the villagers from his residence to the meeting ground. The women sprinkled water using leaves and twig of mango, washed his feet, anointed oil and garlanded him with flowers. The men carried him on the body to his seat from which he greeted everyone by folding hands. Mr. Bartholmay Sanga then delivered the welcome speech and explained what lay ahead in today's programme. Mr. Jiwan Munda then led the prayer Gowari. The prayer was in Mundari and it was remarkable that Gods of all religion specially Muslim, Hindu and Christian were invoked in the prayer. After prayer the villagers of Haruhapa and Dumardaga sang songs one after the other. Both songs touched upon the role of the new leader in the service of his people.
After the songs all the Mundas and Pahans of Dere Sanga Parha were honoured by tying of new head dress. Thereafter the Maharaja Mangra Munda of Barla Parha placed the pagri on the head of the New Parha Raja Sanicharai Munda signifying that he has approval of the highest confederacy of Parhas called "22 Parha". The wife of the new Parha Raja was presented a shawl. All the invited guests including Parha Rajas of other clans were given new head dress. The women guests were given shawl. The oath of office was administered by Dewan Mohan Singh Munda to all office bearers of Dere Sanga Parha including Mundas and Pahan. The ceremony ended with dancing and refreshments. Reporter Dominic Bara
Adivasi women's hunting festival - These days a special hunting expedition of adivasi women (Jani Shikar) is taking place in and around Ranchi. The festival is celebrated every 12th year in which enthusiastic women dressed in male attire go on a special hunting expedition to commemorate the legendary event of women's unusual valour in repulsing the army that invaded Rohtasgarh on the day of Sarhul festival when the men were fully drunk and for that matter they were helpless to face the invasion. In this situation the women dressed like men took up the arms against the enemies. To commemorate this event the women put on male dress and go about mock hunting in the neighbourhood as a group. No doubt this act of women under the cover of a festival mildly pokes fun at male incompetence. Today this festival is also attaining political significance. |
Sanicharai Munda newly appointed Parha Raja of Dere Sanga, Siladon |
