QUES . How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 250 words, 15 Marks

भारत में औपनिवेशिक शासन ने आदिवासियों को कैसे प्रभावित किया और औपनिवेशिक उत्पीड़न के प्रति आदिवासी प्रतिक्रिया क्या थी?

HINTS:

The advent of colonialism in the tribal regions saw the assertion of British colonial sovereignty in several significant ways which affected the tribals in different aspects:

Impact of colonial policies on Tribals

The British introduced revenue systems that disrupted traditional tribal land tenure systems, leading to conflicts over land ownership. Land revenue policies such as zamindari system led to forced commercialisation in tribal regions. For example in regions under Chaur and Munda tribe.

Must read: How British policies impacted the major resources of the tribals?

British rule often disregarded tribal cultural practices and religious beliefs, leading to cultural alienation and resentment among tribal populations. Many Christian missionaries tried to convert tribals to Christianity affecting their cultural rights.

However the policy of interference in social and religious practice enabled the British to stop cruel tribal practices, for example Meriah sacrifice among tribal Khond.

Britishers banned local liquor and mandated leases to outsiders to brew palm liquor.

The British introduced forest laws, such as the Indian Forest Act of 1865 and Indian Forests Act (1878) which restricted tribal access to forests and natural resources, further affecting their traditional hunting, gathering, and agricultural practices like jhum cultivation.

Tribals were often displaced from their ancestral lands to make way for colonial economic interests, such as timber extraction and commercial agriculture.Tribal communities faced land dispossession and encroachments by colonial powers and landlords due to the expansionist policy followed by British. For example in Santhal tribal areas.

Opening of forests encouraged penetration of moneylenders and outsiders who exploited tribals. The need for Oak and timber for railways and navy made Britishers control forests and change their character.

In nearly all instances of tribal resistance against colonial authority, British forces resorted to violent suppression.

Britishers criminalised many tribals who were engaged in long distance trade as criminal tribes and ostracised them.

British colonial rule undermined traditional systems of self-governance among tribal communities, replacing them with centralized British administration.

Response of tribals towards colonial rule

Some tribal communities actively resisted colonial rule through armed uprisings and rebellions. For example Birsa Munda-led Ulgulan (The Great Tumult) movement in the late 19th century, Santhal Rebellion of 1855-1856 in Bengal, Kol Mutiny (1831) and Bastar Rebellion of 1910 in Central India.

Some tribes (in Himalayan regions) chose to isolate themselves from colonial authorities and maintain their traditional ways of life in remote areas. They avoided contact with outsiders to protect their culture, land, and autonomy.

Some tribal leaders and communities engaged with the broader Indian nationalist movement. Leaders like Jaipal Singh Munda (founded All India Tribal League) and Rani Ma Gaidinliu advocated for tribal rights within the framework of Indian independence.

Some tribes responded to colonialism by making efforts to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions. Tribal communities made efforts to preserve and revive their languages, cultures, and traditional knowledge systems. They recognized the importance of cultural identity in resisting colonial assimilation. For example Birsa Munda urged Mundas to give up drinking liquor, clean their village, and stop believing in witchcraft. Bastar Revolt and Bishnoi Movement (1730s) to preserve forests and livelihoods.

In certain cases, tribal leaders and communities opted for non-violent means. They just violated the laws and rules of the British, such as in Bhagat movement the tribal members refused to pay the land rent. Some tribal leaders like Jhalkari Bai in Central India and Rani Gaidinliu in Nagaland adopted non-violent forms of protest and civil disobedience against colonial rule. Chenchu tribe launched Forest Satyagraha during the non-cooperation movement.

Thus, despite the adversities, tribal communities mounted resistance, both violent and non-violent, to assert their rights and protect their heritage. Consequently,the tribal issues were acknowledged by the British government.

External link: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/22328/5/Unit-32.pdf