A new book examines how Adivasi groups have negotiated the Indian socio-political-economic space

Adivasi presence is ubiquitous in Indian socio-political life. The presence owes to Adivasis’ own urge and verve to continue with their exclusive cultural traditions. Unlike the politically much hyped Dalit question, Adivasis, no less oppressed and steeped in miseries, receive little social science attention. Adivasis of central India – Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, Mundas, Uraons and other major Adivasis, comprising over 80% of the Adivasi population of India – living there for centuries are among the oldest groups with their age-old distinct culture.

A dominant scholarship since the time of independence, led by GS Ghurye, assumes Adivasi culture as a proto-Hindu and transitory stage of human development, impulsively drifting to advanced Hindu culture. Describing Adivasi culture as evanescent, scholars argue that while interacting with the Hindu culture some of its relics linger at times but ultimately blend into the Hindu culture to become extinct. The theory is reiterated by scholars of the post-independence era from time to time. Another scholarship dismisses it saying that Adivasi cultures co-existed with monarchies and empires of the plains continually, especially in hilly and sylvan terrains, “largely on their own will.” Today, various Adivasi societies maintain their cultural traditions and identity consciously. Indian nation often fails to...

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