CHAPTER-6

THE RANCHI CITY: PRESENT SCENARIO AND STATUS OF TRIBAl WOMEN

"Peeth mein bachcha, maath ntein khanchi,

dekho to samjho, aa gai Ranchi"

(If you see women with a child tied in their back and basket in their

head, which means you have arrived at Ranchi.)

-A popular saying of Jharkhand region in 50's.

Introduction:

Ranchi, the third largest urban agglomeration of the region, is the

capital of the Jharkhand state. It comprises of Ranchi and Kanke. It is

important in terms of administrative, industry and commercial functions. It

is situated almost in the centre of the region (23° 27' North and 85° 20' East)

at an elevation of seven hundred meters. Its urban landscape is characterized

by Ranchi conical hill, beautiful. Ran chi Lake, Christian Mission churches,

irregular pattern of roads and lanes and new emerged planed areas having

specializations in different functions. The morphological characteristic of

this urban centre is also growing due to industrial centres and habitation of

people of various cultural backgrounds;

This is a struggling unplanned urban centre. The layout of roads,

streets and building and style of dwelling, government offices are the result

of continuous addition from the pre urban nucleus of Purana Ranchi near the

foot of Ranchi hill to present vast urban areas. Ranchi consists of several

morphological units of various characteristic of different evolutionary

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phases. The older parts of the town being the Purana Ranchi, upper bazar

have mostly irregular growth and winding lanes. In other part of patch of

heavy concentration is found in Chutia towards the east of Hazaribag road.

The remarkable development of the town has taken place along the main

road also known as Chaibasa road in the north-south direction.

The north-south alignments of the town along its axial high street

bears witness to the fact that this road plays the most important role in the

movement of traffic in the town. The hub of the city lies at the junction of

three important roads radiating to Hazaribag, Chaibasa and Kanke. This

morphological unit of the city is characterized by it retail shops, vehicular

congestion, multi-storied buildings etc. In this area land use is characterized

by the offices, consumer services, educational institutions, hotels, banks,

post-offices~ theatres etc.

The upper bazar area acts as collecting and distributing centres of the

city and also supplies goods to retail shops. Ranchi haat is situated in the

centre of the old nucleus of the town at the foot of Ranchi hill. The haat is

the place where the farm products from the surrounding areas are brought

and sold. A substantial part of this transaction takes. place through whole

sellers, located near the haat in upper bazaar. The upper bazar whole sale

area is closed to the central business district (CBD) and the retail traders find

it convenient to their supply of goods from the whole sellers.

During recent years, Ranchi has become the seat of immense

industrial activities with concomitant development, commercial and cultural

activities and has started loosing its previous landscape. of open and

cultivated fields and Adivasi. huts interspersed between the pakka houses.

One of the largest industrial coneem is the heavy engineering corporation

which lies at Hatia nearly ten kilometers from south of Ran chi. Hatia is the

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centre of numerous engineering industries. Govt. of India established heavy

Engineering Corporation as public sector undertaking in 1958. The heavy

machine building plant was set up in collaboration with Russia's assistance

with a capacity to produce 80 thousands ton of machinery. The foundry

forge plant and the heavy machine plant both were set up in collaboration

with Czechoslovakia. High tension insulator factory is located at Namkum

and Sri Ram ball bearing co. limited is located at Ratu, 10 kilometers from

west of Ranchi. The advantage of the capital city with suitable climate,

marketing facility and industrial infrastructure also help engineering

industry.

Besides, there are marked concentration of industrial enterprises near

the railway crossing, on the main road, the lower bazar south of church road,

the lower hazar near sadar hospital, the upper hazar near Ranchi Lake and

old and new Hazaribagh road. Most of the units situated on the main road

and in the lower bazar are auto repair workshops, automobile servicing

centres and small machine shops. In the upper hazar area. various food

processing industries pre dominate as this the main grain and grocery area.

Saw mills and several other industries are located in the peripheral area such

as railway crossing in the south and Purulia road.

During recent years, from the · addition industries in the peripheral

parts there have been several residential colonies like Ghandinagar, Ashok

nagar, Harmu housing colonies etc, where a large number of residential

quarters are available. The up gradation of the city as the state capital arid

related administrative function are likely to add new feather to the

morphology and functions.

Besides, presenting a brief historical overview, this chapter portrays

the demographic and social evolution of Ranchi, highlighting the vast

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changing in the social complexion, during its different phases. As the district

level disaggregates demographic and social data for the 2001 was readily

used, yet the analysis in here is based mainly on the data of 1991 census.

The second part of this chapter deals with tribal . population profile and

development, occupational and literacy profile related to tribals of Ranchi

district. And the third part present the current scenario about the position of

tribal women, highlighting the ethnic and gender dimensions. It provides the

gender stratification picture as the base for gender being an important factor

in the social stratification system within the so called egalitarian tribal social

structure. The last section gives a brief overview of the status of tribal

women in Ran chi city.

SECTION-I

Socio-Demographic Evaluation of Ranchi District: Physical

Setting-·

The district of Ranchi has almost the central location in the state of

Jharkhand. It is bounded by the districts of Hazaribag in north, Paschimi

Singhbhum in the south, the state boundary in the east and Palamu,

Lohardaga and Gumla in the west. This district comprises an area of 7574

sq. km and the population is 27, 83,557 persons in 2001. Ranchi consists of

tabular landmass. It has even flat surface of gneiss, granite and schist. The

entire area is full of tanrs and dons on account of rolling topography. Tanrs

are comparatively higher lands and dons are the lower lands. Important

rivers of the district are the Swamarekha, South Koel and Sankh. The district

is endowed with healthy climate. The tropic of Capricorn passes over the

district, but the higher elevation reduces the temperature. Ranchi receives

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rainfall almost throughout the year, though the concentration is during the

monsoon months. Average annual rainfall of the district is 13 7.5 em.

Relatively homogenous land surface has encouraged considerable use

of cultivatable land. The lower areas provide suitable conditions for paddy

cultivation, but the higher areas provide conditions for habitation, orchards

and other uses. The forest is mainly confined in hilly areas. Non agricultural

uses of land are also important because of industrial and urban growth.

There is a good network of transport. Two national highways no. 23 and 33

passes through the district. A number of state highways are also present in

the district. This district has also good connections with railways. There is

rail connection with almost all important places like Kolkata, Delhi, Patna

etc.

The spatial population in the district is uneven. It is larger in the

eastern areas, but the western areas contain smaller percentage of

population. Ranchi district has the average density of 288 persons per sq.

km. in 1991. This district has nine urban centres. Important urban centres are

Ranchi and Khalari urban agglomeration, Other towns are Itki, Khunti,

Bundu etc. The area is inhabited by several aboriginal groups and important

tribes are Munda, Kharia, Oraon, Lohra, Bedia, Mahali etc. Important

languages and . dialects spoken in this regiori are Hindi, Kuruk, Mundari,

Sadri, Nagpuria,Bengali etc. Urban and industrial centres have considerable

concentration of non tribals. who have come from neighboring states and

exhibit cross culture. This district has 46.56% tribal and 5.57% scheduled

caste population.

This district has some picturesque spots, cultural centres and historical

sites where tourists vis1t. The \vaterfalls are Hundru, Jonha and Dasam are

attractive tourist's sites.

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Historical Background

Ranchi has seen the nse and eclipse of vanous civilizations.

Numerous archeological finds bear testimony to it. The origin of the name of

the district is rather obscure, some believe that Ranchi derived its name from

Purana Ranchi, a village near Ranchi; while others suggest that it is an

anglicized transformation of the Mundari word "Aranchi" meaning a short

stick at used in driving cattle. In medieval times it was known as Kokrah that

formed the part of suba Bihar and it was also reputed as a treasure-house for

diamonds and this attracted successive military expeditions. It is supposed to

be original area ofNagbansi Raja.

In the early phase of British rule this district with ·other adjoining

territories comprised of a total area of 12004 sq. miles and was placed in the

charge of the magistrate of Ramgarh in Hazaribagh district, but Ramgarh

being outside the Ranchi plateau is proved ineffective from the

administrative point of view and in 1833 the district of Ranchi with the

adjacent parganas ofPalamu and Dalbhum was formed into a separate entity

known as south west frontier agency. This agency got abolished in 1854.

Finally, it got a shape of Ranchi district in the year 1899. Latter this district

_ got bifurcated into Ranchi, Gumla and Lohardaga.

Since, the early nineteenth century Ran chi witnessed· important

political events like Kol insurrections (1831-32), the great revolt (1857), the

Sardari agitation (1887-92) and Birsa movement (1895-1900). The great

revolt of 1857 was indeed a manifestation of country wide upsurge against

the British power. No less significant was the arrival of Christian missions,

the earliest being the Lutheran pastors in 1845.Ranchi town had begun

shedding its tribal character before 1857. Regular fairs were organised and

luxury goods were brought not only from Calcutta, but also from kashmir,

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Lucknow and Jaiselmer. The economy of the district acquired a new

orientation, through the introduction of the plantation and shellac

manufacturer in Ranchi.

The Second World War (1939-45) brought the headquarters of the

eastern command of the Indian army to Ranchi with large concentration of

troops all over the district by providing jobs to a large number of local

people. The period (1920-42) witnessed various phases of the civil

disobedience movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and drew Tana

Bhagats in its fold.

The early 50's saw the abolition of zamindari system and brought

govt. and tenant in direct contact with each other, it also synchronized with

community development programme, which subsequently covered the whole

district.

The post 60's era has seen the birth and growth of giant modem

industrial complexes, such as H.E.C at Hatia. The Hindustan Ltd and

National coal development corporation also have established their

headquarters at Ranchi. In their wake, number of industries has sprawled in

all directions with Ranchi city as centre. Thus, its age old tranquility in

sylvan surrounding, Ranchi has emerged almost overnight as a symbol of

industrial . revolution in post independent period. The pace of

industrialisation has stirred up even the remotest comer of the district, giving

a jolt to the primitive economy. The traditional pattern of the migration of

rural labourer to tea garden of Assam has since faded into insignificance in

view . of large scale movement of labour to the industrial belts of

Chotanagpur. But the new industrial sites have uprooted a sizable population

onto the quest for urban living has encouraged breaking of a family, giving

rise to many socio-economic problems.

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Nature's gift of climate to Ranchi has also influenced certain

developments. It has founded expressions in the establishment of several

T.B. sanatoria and lunatic asylums in the district, which have continued over

the past several decades alleviating much human suffering.

Demographic Evolution of Ran chi

As per 1991 census, the total population of Ranchi district was

2214048 (10.13 %) with 1152736 males and 1061312 females. Out of this

8.62 percent belong to rural areas and 15.85 percent belong to urban areas.

The controlling factors for large concentration of urban population in Ran chi

are industrial development of other economic and cultural characteristics.

According to 1991 census, Ranchi is the third largest city of Jharkhand with

total population of 614795.

As per 2001 census, the total population ofRanchi district is 2783577

with 1436423 males and 1347154 females. And the density of population is

3 62 persons per sq. km.

As evident from the table below, the growth of population over 50

years during 1901-1961 looks so insignificant compare to the dramatic

increase between the seventies and 2001. Four dimensions crucially relevant

in respect of the exponential of population growth of Ranchi could be

mentioned here. The main reason was it became the seat of immense

industrial activities. Moreover it was the summer capital of former Bihar

state. This centre has large service area. It has a concentration of wholesale

and retail trader, branches of all important banks, educational institution of

higher learning, health facility and other urban amenities .. Ranchi has more

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people engaged in tertiary services, so it faced a large population of

immigration population increasing its ethno-linguistic complexion.

In late nineties, the main reason for this exponential growth rate was

basically due to the formation ofRanchi as state capital.

Table -1 D h" fil fR h. 1901 2001 emograpJ 1c _Qro 1 e o anc 1, -

Status I Year % of decadal variation Sex ratio

in population

1901 - 1058

1911 16.81 1050

1921 -3~79 1026

1931 17.44 1017

1941 6.91 1005

1951 11.09 974

1961 17.51 960

1971 26.49 944

1981 23.68 928

1991 21.42 921

2001 25.72 938

Source:- General populatiOn table, census ofindta, 1991, Senes-5 Bthar.

Before . taking up the ethno-linguistic dimensions, Ranchi

demographic evolution needs to be seen on two different levels: one Ranchi

as a composite administrative unit and two, Ranchi as a city within its larger

unit. With this it would then be possible to see its growth in relation to other

similar urban district in Jharkhand.

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Ranchi's Population Growth in Comparison with Similar other

Districts

To gain a proper appreciation of the demographic boom in Ranchi, a

comparison with other district would be useful and is presented in the table

below:-

Table -2

Variation in population% in selective districts of Jharkhand

District 1901-11 1911-21 1921-31 1931-41 1941-51 1951-61 1961-71 1971-81 1981-91

Dhanbad 31.99 12.40 15.89 13.33 21.71 27.91 23.97 44.23 26.46

Hazaribagh 9.39 -0.91 18.83 15.42 10.61 24.68 29.36 33.57 29.35

Gumla 16.81 -3.79 17.44 6.91 11.09 . 13.77 16 .. 86 8.71 13.44

Purbi 11.65 +5.77 22.19 19.25 8.64 28.58 22.12 29.56 16.98

singhbhum

Ran chi 16.81 -3.79 17.44 6.91 11.09 17.51 26.49 23.68 21.42

Source:- General population table, census oflndia, 1991, Series-5 Bihar.

While analysing spatial variation in population remarkable changes in

growth of population becomes obvious. The decade 1891-1901 was not a

period of considerable growth. It is importantto note that the decade 1911-

21 portrays slight increase in population. In this period the urban population

of Purbi Singhbhum recorded an outstanding of 5.77 .% mainly due to

development of Jamshedpur. In the following decade of 1921-31 & 1931-41

some districts of the province registered substantial increase in population.

Maximum rise in population took place in the district of Singhbhum. The

decade 1941-51 registered. increase in population almost everywhere, but the ·

district of Dhanbad (21.71 %) recorded the highest growth. Ranchi for the

first time in its history, got the,status of a city due to considerable increase in

urban population, based on the development of bauxite mining, aluminum

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1991-

2001

22.82

42.18

16.59

22.66

25.72

factory and other industries. At the same time considerable refugees from

west and East Pakistan concentrated in the urban centre. The district of

Hazaribagh also recorded an increase in urban population due to Damodar

valley project. In the decade 1951-61 remarkable variation in population

occurred due to differential development in terms of appraisal of resources.

Dhanbad and Hazaribagh experienced more growth due to the development

of coal based industries. In the decade 1961-71 the variation of population

was recorded more in the districts which have coal and mica resources, like

Hazaribagh (29.36 %) and Ranchi (26.49 %). Even the decade 1971-81

portrayed remarkable variation in population based on unequal development

in terms of industries. In the decade 1981-91 Ranchi and Purbi Singhbhum ·

. exhibit population rise between 20 and 25 %.

Rural-Urban Population Growth Pattern

The district of Ranchi has 8.62 % rural population of the state, but ..

15.85 o/o urban population. The controlling factors for larger concentration of

urban population in Ranchi are industrial development as well as the

development of other economic and cultural characteristics. As per 1991

census the district having higher percentage of urban population includes

Purbi Singhbhum and Dhanbad along with Ranchi where more than 20 %

people live in urban areas.

Sex Ratio

So far as the sex ratio is concerned the state of Jharkhand presents

interesting features because of considerable concentration. of aboriginals

who hardly distinguish the importance of male and female. But in plain areas

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males are given more preference. At the same time increasing urbanisation

in the region has also influence sex ratio in different districts. Impact of out­

migration of male worker from this region also influences sex ratio. This is

why the areas having concentration of more urban population have

comparatively poor sex ratio than the areas having considerable

concentration of tribal having faith in Christianity. It may be noted that areas

having Christian religion generally possess better sex ratio in comparison to

areas having people of other religions. In the year 1991 India recorded a sex

ratio of 929, but Ranchi had sex ratio of 927 which is slightly less than the

average of the country. But in urban areas poor sex ratio has been recorded

· in Ran chi (859). In 2001 census Ranchi district was slightly better than the

previous decades, it was 93 8.

Literacy

The development of industries and mining activities in mineralized .

and industrialized pockets of the region and the arrival of educated migrant

considerably accelerated the literacy rate. But still most part of the region

also remained very backward in terms of the development of literacy. In the

year 1907 this region had only 1 to 3 % literate people. This has gone up to

33.65% in 1991. In 2001 the state of Jharkhand consists of 54.13 %total

·literacy and male and female literacy comprised of 67.94 % and 39.38 o/o

respectively. In 1991 Ranchi district has 41.69 % literacy rate due to

industrialization and urbanisation with 52.96 5 male and 29.53 % female

literacy rate. And as per 2001 census Ranchi district comprises total literacy

rate of 65.69 % with male literacy rate being 77.76 % and female literacy

rate being 52.27 %.

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In this region the female literacy rate is much lower because of more

people having poverty, social backwardness and tribal heritage. Some people

did not even give due importance to female literacy. In this part female

literacy is very unevenly distributed and cosmopolitan urban centre have

higher female literacy than the remaining areas. Ranchi has higher female

literacy than the remaining districts.

Migration

All centres of administration like district, subdivision, revenue thana,

modes of transport and other places attracted people from different states.

More remarkable immigration in this region took place during independence

days, when mining, industrial, urban growth got accelerated. During this

period, the mineralized; industrialized and urbanized areas have got so much

assemblage of people of different areas having varied cultural background

that traditional socio-economic conditions have considerably been

transformed. Some place have lost the original character and given rise to

cosmopolitan nature. It is true that these areas have not only got the migrants

of only other states but have also got aboriginals, having proficiency in

industrial, mining, educational and other activities. Uneducated people have

also moved to these areas for involving themselves in unskilled work. Rural­

urban migration has become an important phenomenon in this region

because. of fast growing several cities and towns. These urban centres have

job opportunities for persons related to construction works, business

industrial work, professional work etc. and Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad,

Hazaribag, Jamshedpur etc have become focal point of rural out migrants. '.

Main · l:ause of out migration from the village to the town or industrial

centres has been the intention of earning more money, getting non-

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agricultural work, and getting freedom from the problems of rural areas and

transforming their socio-economic conditions. A few urban centres having

better development in terms of educational, health, recreational and other

fields have gravitated resourceful villagers to these urban centres~ The

analysis of the table no.-3 reveals migrant workers in the districts of the

state, enumerated in the census of 1991 and it also provides accounts of

migrant workers engaged in different activities in the urban agglomeration

of the state and who have come due to different reasons. There are five main

urban agglomeration and these have migrants involvement in different

activities whose cause of immigration distinctly vary. In case of migrant

arrival to the urban agglomeration due to employment was recorded highest

in Phusro urban agglomeration (30.98 %) and Ranchi has 23.55 %migrant

workers. Moving to urban agglomeration caused by marriage recorded the

highest in Jamshedpur following by Ranchi (34.19 %). In case of migrants

coming on account of educational works, the highest percentage has been

registered in Ranchi (U.A) where educational institutions of varied grades

and nature have developed.

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Table- 3

Migrants by place of last residence to cities by reason for migration

Sl. City Total Employ Business Education Family Marriage Natural moved Others calamities

No migrants ment

I. Dhanbad 370816 112810 16616 18390 71649 123091 430 27830

U.A 30.42 4.48 4.96 19.32 33.19 0.12 7.51

2. Bokaro steel 202490 54335 11976 10520 59786 51073 110 14690

city 26.83 5.99 5.19 29.53 25.22 0.05 7.25

U.A

3. Phusro 57811 17912 2420 .2360 15929 14170 50 4970

U.A 30.98 4.19 4.08 27.55 24.51 0.09 8.60

4. Ranch I 228327 53764 8550 18550 50845 78058 280 17280

U.A 23:55 3.74 8.12 22.27 34.19 0.12 7.57

5 Jamshedpur 311574 76892 9813 11640 58274 31265 370 23326

24.68 3.15 3.74 18.70 42.13 0.11 7.48

Source: - V.N.PSinha and L.K.P Singh, 2003, Jharkhand land and people, New Delhi.

156

SECTION-II

Tribal Population

The state of Jharkhand provides congenial environment for the growth

of tribal population. There are thirty tribal groups of which big tribal

communities are the Santhals, the Oraons, and the Mundas etc. Most of these

are racially believed to be pre-Dravidian or proto-Australians. The state of

Jharkhand has 27.66% tribal population consisting of32.58 o/o in rural areas

and 9.47 %in urban areas. This population has recorded comparing lower

growth than the non-tribal population. The growth of tribal population has

taken place uniformly in all district of state.

Table -4

Scheduled tribe population 1991

SI.No. Districts Total Tribal % oftotal %of Tribal

Rural /Urban. Population Population Population·

1. Godda T 216047 25.09 3.57

R 214936 25.66 3.83

u 1111 4.70 0.25

2. Sahibganj T 507321 38.99 8.39

R 504119 41.80 8.99

u 3202 3.37 0.73

3. Dumka T 621484 41.55 10.28

R 616449 43.88. 11.00

u 5035 5.54 1.14

4. Deoghar T 119085 12.76 1.97

R 116368 14.40 2.08

u 2717 2.17 0.62

157

5. Dhanbad T 225282 8.42 3.73

R 174706 13.40 3.12

u 50576 3.69 11.50

6. Giridih T 271924 12.22 4.50

R 257347 13.68 4.59

u 14577 4.24 3.31

7. Hazaribag T 250586 8.81 4.15

R 205676 8.83 3.67

u . 44910 8.75 . 10.21

8. Palamu T 443266 18.08 1.33

R 437353 18.85 7.80

u 5913 4.51 1.33

9. Lohardaga T 162964 56.41 2.70

R 157720 61.34 2.81

u 5244 16.51 1.34

10. Gumla T 816988 70.80 13.52

R 797668 72.40 14.23

u 19320 36.95 4.39

11. · Ranchi T 964422 43.56 15.96

R 810602 54.65 14.46

u 153820 21.05 34.97

12. East T 466570 28.92 7.72

Singhbhum R 389226 51.00 6.94

u 77346 9.10 17.58

13. West T -978069 54.70 16.18

Singhbhum R 922017 61.24 16.45

u 56052 19.85 12.74

Source: Census oflndia, 1991

As regard the distribution of tribal population of the state the above

table reveals uneven distribution of population. The highest concentration of

158

population has been recorded in the district of Pashchimi Singhbhum

( 16.18%) because the district has considerable hilly areas having dominance

of tribal people. Others having more than 10 % population of the tribal

population of the state included Ranchi (15.96 %), Gumla 13.52 %) and

Dumka ( 10.28 o/o ). District having share of tribal population ranging from 5

%to 10% included Sahibganj (8.39 %) and Purbi Singhbhum (7.72 %). The

remaining districts consist of less than 5 % tribal population of the region. ~

These district included Gridih (4.50 %), Hazaribag (4.15%), Godda (3.57

%), Dhanbad (3.73 o/o) etc. In case of the rural tribal population, the highest

percentage has been again recorded in the district of Paschimi Singhbhum

(16.45 %) and followed by Ranchi (14.46 %). In the share of urban tribal

population, the highest percentage has been recorded in Ranchi (34.97 %)

where slightly more . than one-third urban tribal people of the region are

concentrated. It may be due to tribal organisation, early growth of township

of having education, culh!ral and other facilities which attract urban elites.

Other district having comparatively higher share in urban tribal population

included Purbi Singhbhum (17.58 o/o) and Dhanbad (11.50 o/o).

The tribal population of the state also portrays uneven distribution.

Unevenness is observed in terms of the percentage of tribal population as

well as the concentration of different tribes in different parts of the state.

Table .. s f h d 1 d trib D dal . f eca vana ton o sc e u e e 1 f popu a ton

Year Population Growth in%

.1961 45,32,342 --

1971 45,69,888 8.28

1981 53,19,370 16.61 'f£'\F'\"1 60,44,010 13.42 1:-1:-11

Source: Census oflndia, Series 3 & 4, 1991, Bihar

159

The above table provides the percentage of tribal population to the

total population in different census years as well as of different districts and

in table no.-4, the percentage of tribal population to the total tribal

population of the state has been shown. · It shows that the highest tribal

population has been in the old district of Ran chi which consists of 32.46 o/o

in 1981.

Occupational Profile of Tribal Workforce

In any region, the whole information about its life-style, development

process, economical achievement, population, literacy rate, human resources

development etc can be acquired only by analysing the economical activities

and occupational structure of the total population of that region.

The economic activities of any given population focus on the physical

aspects of that region reflecting the economic structure, work force, labour

force, occupational structure etc. The general situation of work force of

tribal population is that in the whole Jharkhand region, 36.8 percent of the

total population is of workers and 45.9 percent of the total tribal population

is of workers. The work force percentage of any region depends on human

resource ratio, literacy rate, women cooperation, migration, general health

and weather conditions. Among the tribals the land rights are also

diminishing. In the 1981 there were 16 lakhs cultivation but in 1991 the

. number got reduced to 14 lakhs cultivations. Most of the tribal workforce is

engaged in agriculture. Among which only 25 % are agricultural labourers

and rest of the 75 % are cultivation. But now the percentage of cultivators is

declining.

In the whole Jharkhand region, the female workers are less than the

male workers. As the percentage of literacy rate among the tribal females is

quite low (maximum 22 % and minimum 5.2 %), most of them are the

160

primary workers. It is clear that the workforce ratio among tribal male and

female was of 60:40 percent.

According to 1991 census the total number of tribal female workers was

1144163 and it about 41.2 5 of the total tribal workers. And the total number

of tribal male workers was 1632914 which were 58.8 %. As per 1981census,

this ratio was around 65:35 which directly mean that among tribal workers

the percent of male workers has reduced to 5 % and among the female

workers it is increased up to 5 % in 1981-91 decade. The study of tribal

female workforce reveals that the highest percent of tribal female workforce

is in the West Singhbhum (44.5%) and in Ranchi it is 43.0 o/o.

Table -6

Tribal workforce 1981-91 in Ranchi

Year Total Cultivator Agricultural Cultivator Household Marginal Female Other

workers labourer +Agricultural _ labourer workers workers services

main+ labourer

marginal

1981 374753 206805 53012 259817 6045 62664 141007 46i27

1991 439065 242225 55633 297858 5367 79495 184685 56345

Growth

rate% 17.1 17.1 4.4 14.6 -11.2 26.8 30.9 21.8

(Sl-91)

Jharkhand 12.6 16.2 22.1 17.6 -10.2 4.2 6.8 -2.2 0/o

. Source: Census oflndia, Senes 4 &5, 1981 & 1991

Ranchi district has the second largest population of tribal workforce

15.8 %. In comparison with the 1981 census, we found that the tribal

workforce has increased in all district except Ranchi. In 1981 it was 31.7%

161

but in 1991 it was reduced to 15.8o/o. The main reason for this is migration of

tribal workforce to other parts of India.

Sex Ratio among Tribals

The ratio among the tribal population is quite uneven. As per 1991

census the Jharkhand state has got 975 female per thousand males. The best

sex ratio has been registered is the district of Gumla ( 1 002) which is

followed by West Singhbhum (1001) and Lohardaga (986). It may be noted

that sex ratio is normally better in tribal societies because least distinction is

made between boys and girls. The following table gives a clear picture of the

sex ratio of tribal population: -

Table -7

Sex ratio of tribal population in Jharkhand Area ( 1981-1991)

Districts 1981 1991 1981 1991

Male Female. Sex Male . Female Sex Rural Urban Rural Ratio Ratio Sex Sex- Sex

Ratio Ratio Ratio Godda 105282 104311 990 109314 106733 976 990 1026 977

Shaibganj 239297 236197 987 257135 250186 973 988 833 974

Dumka 290391 283956 977 314616 306868 975 979 824 976

Deoghar 55243 53191 962 60945 58140 954 964 901 960

Dharibad 99280 93497 941 116569 108713 933 959 883 950

Giridih 113298 111580 985 139560 132364 948 990 883 952

Hazaribag 101231 97561 963 129321 121265 937 973 894 945

Palamu 177229 174803 983 226486 216780 957 985 874 958

Lohardaga 66139 68715 1039 82045 80919 986 1032 1300 978

Gumla · 367375 380806 1036 408004 408984 1002 1039 915 1003

Ranchi 426398 422649 991 490510 473912 966 998 956 973

East 209304 206186 985 236318 230254 974 996 915 982 singhbhum

West 419408 426606 1017 488892 489177 1000 1027 858 1006 c.:~g."Jhh .. ~ ~11.& lVIIUll.l

Source: Census oflndia (1981 & 1991), Senes 4 & 5, Part -II-B (i)

162

Urban Sex

Ratio 932

843

956

736

875

880

904

880

1288

981

932

933

917

Sex ratio is mainly affected by these three resources -birth rate, death

rate and migration. Female mortality rate is quite higher among the tribals

especially in the rural areas. And migration among the tribals both young

men and women to urban cities and other states in search of livelihood is all

the time higher compare to general population. In 1901 the sex ratio ofBihar

was 1058 but in 1991 itwas reduced to 921. But there is a slight increase in

the sex ratio of Jharkhand in 2001 which is 938. The analysis of above table

indicates that in 1981, the rural sex ratio in Jharkhand region was 100 1 but

in 1991 it was reduced to 979, likewise it is clear that sex ratio has started

getting misbalanced. The urban sex ratio is quite uneven but still in 1991 it

has increased to 922. This indicates that tribal female mortality rate has been

reduced in the urban areas. This region provides remarkable spatial variation

based on the percentage of tribal population. The whole decadal of 1981-91

clearly shows that of all 13 districts only three districts have a balanced sex

ratio. These are Lohai"daga, West Singhbhum and Gumla. And in the rest of

all, it is below than the normal ratio, like in Ranchi it is 966, East

Singhbhum (974), Godda (976). So the sex ratio in the whole region,

especially in the urban centers is continuously declining. The above table

indicates that the tribal male population has increased in the urban areas than

in the rural areas. Certainly in areas having considerable concentration of

urban population or industrial population or mining workers etc. more

people lead bachelors life and such areas consists of comparatively poor sex

ratio due to above mentioned reasons and comparatively less industrialized,

mineralized and urbanized districts have much better sex ratio. Excess of

males over female population is the characteristics of urban landscape where

male from different parts of the country flow to bring disparity in sex ratio.

163

Literacy among Tribals

Literacy and education indicates the social development of a

community. In the earlier period education was imparted with the

socialization process in every day life activities. The youth dormitories,

elders and parents played a crucial role. In the pre- British period education

among the tribals was totally neglected. Latter a few missionary

organizations attempted to do some welfare work among tribal groups and

which enabled them to acquire education, new ways of livelihoods and to

develop a wide world view.

Though after independence some substantial measures have been

taken through different plans and projects to raise the percentage of

education among tribals, but still much remains to be done. Tribal groups in

Jharkhand are still in the crossroads, so education is an input not only for

economic development but also for inner strength ofthe tribal communities,

so that they can meet the challenge on terms of·some degree of equity. But

when we look at the tribal literacy rate, the picture is highly disappointing.

But now there is a growth in the literacy rate. In 1981 the literacy rate was

28 percent in the Jharkhand region and in 1991it increased up to 33 percent.

But the percentage of literacy among tribals in 1981 was 17.5 percent which

was increased by 22.0 percent in 1991.

Table -8 Level of literacy growth

Total Jharkhand Tribals of Jharkhand Total Total Growth in Total Total Growth in

literate literate percent literate ·literate percent 1981 1991 1981 1991 (1981-

1991) 4932458 7217066 46.3 933420 1330101 42.5

Source: Census oflndia, 1981and 1991, series-4, Bihar, part ix (IV)

164

The above table clearly indicates that literacy growth rate in

Jharkhand region is almost equal among the tribals and non-tribals; like in

1981-91 it was 46.3% among the total population and 42.5o/o among the

tribal population. But still there is a wide variation in inter- tribal literacy

level. For example among the Mundas, Oraon and Kharia the literacylevel

is more than 15% then it is between 10% to 15% among Ho and Chick­

braikes. But it is less than 5% among Khorwa, Birhor and Mal paraiya. The

main reasons for such variation are that the tribal people are not a

homogenous group although they go by the generic name of scheduled

tribes. They are diverse not only ethnically, linguistically, geographically but

also have had_ different historical experiences. The following table gives a

comparative picture of the tribal literacy level of few selective districts of

Jharkhand.

Table -9

Literacy percentage of tribal population in selective districts (1981-1991)

1981 1991

District Total Total Male Female Total Male Female

RuraV literate literate

urban population population

Dumka T 15.7 -25.3 5.9 18.13 28.2 7.7 R 15.8 25.11 5.8 17.9 28.0 11.2 u

36.0 49.5 19.7 40.4 50.4 30.3

Dhanbad T 14.3 24.2 13.8 19.2 29.1 8.5 R 11.7 21.3 1.8 15.3 24.9 5.2 u

23.9 34.8 11.6 32.7 43.2 20.5

Hazaribagh T 12.3 19.4 5.0 18.5 27.3 8.8 R 9.9 16.8 2.8 ., 15.0 23.8 5.7 u

30.5 37.6 22.6 33.0 43.0 23.2

165

Lohardaga T 18.4 28.8 8.4 25.6 35.5 15.8 R

17.4 28.1 6.9 24.4 34.6 13.8 u

54.9 56.1 55.0 65.3 65.1 65.5

Gumla T 24.9 33.6 16.5 30.1 38.4 21.8 R

24.3 33.0 15.9 29.4 37.7 21.0 u

53.5 60.2 46.3 61.3 67.1 55.3

Ran chi T 22.4 32.2 12.5 27.9 37.6 17.8 R 18.4 28.3 8.5 24.3 34.6 13.8 u

44.2 53.7 35.8 47.0 53.3 39.3

East T 19.1 30.4 7.7 26.2 38.3 13.8 R 17.0 27.8 5.3 22.7 35.1 10.0

Singhbhum u 35.7 46.5 23.8 44.2 54.3 33.5

Source: Census oflndia 1981 & 1991, Special tables forST, Series 4, Bihar, Part -IX (IV).

As per 1981 census, the tribal literacy rate was more than the literacy

rate of total population (19.5 %) in four districts -Gumla (25.9 %), Ranchi

(22.5 %), East Singhbhum (19.1 %) and Lohardaga (18.4 %). As per 1981

census, the literacy among urban tribals is more than the rural tribals and it

was same in the 1991 census, so no remarkable changes in literacy level.

Lohardaga has the highest urban literacy rate (65.3 %) that followed by

Ranchi (47.0 %) and East Singhbhum (44.2 %). The percentage of rural

literacy rate is almost equal in Ranchi, Lohardaga and East Singhbhum.

Literacy among Tribal Females

A comparative analysis between· the male and female literacy rate

reveals a wide gaps. In the tribal society, only one third of the tribal female

are literate in comparison with tribal men, as per the 1981 census the total

tribal male literacy rate was 26.8 %, but tribal female literacy rate was only

8.1 %. In the 1991 census the tribal male literacy rate was 31.4 %, but the

female literacy rate was 12.3 %, so it is clear that th~ male-female disparity

166

is very much in the literacy level. The tribal female literacy is very low in

the rural areas because of poverty, structural constraints in the society,

gender discrimination etc. On the other hand the tribal female literacy rates

in the urban centres are three times higher than the rural areas. In 1981

census the tribal female literacy in urban centres was around 27.8 %, but in

the rural areas it was only 6.8 %. As per 1991 census the tribal female

literacy rate in urban areas is 33.6 %, whereas the literacy rate among tribal

female in rural areas was 10.6 o/o. So it is clear that there is wide gap

between rural and urban areas.

In analysing the whole literacy. situation, according to 1991 census,

Gumla district has the highest female literacy rate (21.8 o/o); Ranchi is the

second place with 17.8 %, than it is Lohardaga (15.8 %) and East

Singhbhum (13.8 · o/o). In Gumla and Lohardaga the urban· tribal female

literacy rate was quite high 55.3 % and 65.5 % respectively. The main

reason is that both these urban centres have good residential educational

Institutions. So girls from far rural areas come to these urban centres to

achieve higher education. Ranchi urban centre has 39.3 o/o female literacy

rate. On the other hand, Hazaribag (8.8 %), Dumka (7.7 %) and Dhanbad

(8.5 %) have a very low tribal female literacy rate.

In . conclusion it is quite evident that in the tribal community of

Jharkhand, the male literacy rate is higher than the female literacy rate. At

the same time the difference between rural and urban area female literacy

rate has to be lowered down.

167

SECTION-Ill

Gender Stratification and Tribal Women

The tribal society of Jharkhand following the patrilineal and

patriarchal system has the norms and attitudes of patriarchy which affect the

status of women. In the traditional society, the status of women was usually

in relation to her family as the daughter, wife, mother etc. But in the modem

situation a women's status is described more in terms of her achievement in

education, career and position in society. Due to the influence of industrial

and urban setting, drastic changes have occurred in the material cultural

elements than the non material cultural elements in the tribal society. Their

life style, dress pattern and occupational structure have changed. But

patriarchy still persists in the tribal social structure and it is inspired by the

traditional belief in male dominance and female inferiority. Though, its

impacts vary from tribe to tribe and also from class to class.

Gender Disparity Scene in Educational. and Employment

Scenario

Literacy is universally recognised as a powerful instrument of social

change. The level of literacy is undoubtedly one of the most important

indicators of social, cultural and health development among the tribal

communities. Dr. P.C Oraon (1993) made a study "Education of tribal

women: attitude and dynamics" to understand the present state of education

among the tribals and the attitudes and aspirations of tribal women regarding

the education of their children. It discusses the reasons of irregular

attendance, reasons for non enrollm~nt, opinion regarding female education

and attitudes of tribal women regarding the educational achievement of their

168

children. This study covered 600 houses of 8 different tribal communities in

Chotanagapur, in which 50 families belong to the nomadic tribes of Birhor

and Korwa. 50 families belong to Artisan tribe of Chick-Baraik, 150 families

belong to agriculturist class of Oraon, Gond and Ho tribes. 150 families

belong to industrial labourer group of Munda, Oraon and Ho tribes. And 75

families belong to the service class consists of Munda, Oraon and Ho tribes.

The study reveals the fact that illiteracy was rampant among the tribals of

Jharkhand. 69 % of the household were illiterate in which 54 % in urban

areas and 75 % in rural areas. Similarly the educational attainments of tribals

differed significantly in different economic groups, which in the service

group none of the members was illiterate,· there were as many as 90 %

illiterate in the nomadic groups.

Reasons for Non-Enrollment

The study reveals that poor . economic conditions and sharing of

household responsibilities by the children especially the girl child were the

two main reasons for none enrollment of tribal children in both rural and

urban areas of Chotanagpur.

Causes of Irregularity

The study shows that most of the children did not go to the school I

college regularly mainly because they lacked interest. They preferred to stay

at home and perform household tasks such as collection of wood, rearing of

cattle, looking after younger children etc in both rural and urban areas.

Rural-urban analysis revealed some interesting facts. The percentage of

those tribal households where no children were in school was higher in

urban areas (42 %) as compared to that in the rural areas (39 %).

169

Attitudes towards Education

A majority of them, irrespective of their economic status, realized the

importance of education in development of their children, urban women

were more conscious about modem education.

Aspiration Regarding Educational Achievements

The economic status of the tribal women was directly associated with

their views regarding the educational achievements of their children, while

the nomadic tribal women would be satisfied if their children passed the

primary. standard, the tribal women of the artisan, agricultural and industrial

labour groups wanted that their children should pass the Matric exam.

Similarly, the tribal women of the agricultural group were of the opinion that

their children should be intermediate and graduate and the aspirant of the

tribal who were in service was that their children should posses the graduate

or post graduate degree. It is interesting to note that a considerable number

of tribal women in agriculture and service groups realized the importance of

technical education as they want their children to achieve that.

Attitude towards Female Education

· A majority of tribal women of all categories except the nomadic and

artisan groups respondents positively to female education. 28 percent of

tribal women of the nomadic group, 48 percent of the artisan group, 55

percent of agricultural labour group and all the tribal women of the service

group were of the view that education for the female child was a must. Only

170

6 percent of the tribal women of rural areas did not approved education for

their female children mainly because it affected the performance of

household works according to them. Even those who were in favour of

education for the female children consciously pointed out that it should not

affect the household's performance as it was their primary responsibility.

The following table shows a clear literacy level among the tribal girl

children:-

Table -10

Literacy level of girl child in selected districts of Jharkhand

Districts General Scheduled Tribe

Class 1-5 Class 6-8 Class 9-10 Class 1-5 Class 6-8 Class 9-10

Dumka 37.88 29.09 24.74 . 39.43 27.30 23.30

Hazaribag 35.32 30.07 27.33 30.80 28.75 27.07

Dhanbad 39.76 33.21 26.43 33.20 24.87 16.16

Bokaro 39.76 33.21 26.43 31.17 23.21 15.90

Ran chi 43.67 38.03 31.83 41.13 26.10 31.06

Lohardaga 41.65 36.69 31.20 40.12 35.80 29.69

Gumla 43.66 40.04 39.44 .44.30 40.93 40.46

East Singhbhum 44.87 44.30 41.00 44.30 33.03 27.41

Jharkhand 37.45 31.63 27.20 35.56 28.97 24.49

Source: Census of India 1991, Prabhat Khabar Regional Daily.

The analysis of above data clearly indicates that there is a high

dropout rate among the girl child education in whole Jharkhand. And the

literacy I educational level are very similar in both general and tribal girl

child. The enrolment percentage is almost same with 37.45 % among the

general and 35.56% among the tribal in all the selective districts. The high

drop out rate is also evident in both the group as the percent in class 1-5 is

171

37.45 among the generals and 35.56 % among the tribals, which is further

reduced to 27.20 % among generals and 24.49 % among tribals in class 9-

10. The percentage in class 9-10 has reduced drastically in comparison to

class 1-5 in almost all districts. Only in Gumla the percentage is quite same

with class 6-8 ( 40.90 %) and class 9-10 ( 40.46 %). In both Bokaro and

Dhanbad, the percentage in class 9-10 is very low with 16.16% and 15.90%

respectively. In Ran chi the class l-5 the percentage is 41.13 %, but in class

9-10 it is only 31.06 %. The number of people actually literate is dismally

low, education is a far cry. According to 1981 census only 16.9 % tribals

were literate out of which 26.17% were males and only 7.75% were female.

As a comparison, the literacy rates for the total general population and for

male and female respectively are 26.20 %, 38.11 %and 13.62 %. Ethnically

Oraons has the highest literacy rate viz: 12.69 %. They have also sho\\n

inclination towards achieving· higher education. In 1981-91, the number of

matriculates rose from 4.19 % to 8.33 %. But it is very low among girls.

They are encouraged to work at home. This is evident from the table below

which shows the educational background of tribals in Jharkhand in the year

1989-90.

Table -11 ucatwna ac :groun o tn asm ar an Ed 1 b k d f "b I . Jh kh d

Educational status Males Females

Illiterate 63.33% 75%

Primary education 13.33% 10%

Middle education 13.33% 10%

Matriculation 6.66 5 5%

Post Matric 3.33 o/o -

Source: Bulletin of Bihar tribal welfare research Institute, Ranchi, January 1993.

172

The above table indicates a clear gender disparity in the tribal

community. The rate of illiteracy is higher among female (75%) than the

tribal men (6333%). Stratification based on gender is very much present in

the tribal society especially in the field of modem education ...

Even after five decades of independence most of the tribals have been

kept far away from the mainstream. This is clear when one analyzing the

process of education among the tribal women. The speed of this process has

been low and the ultimate success too was low. The following table gives a

very clear picture about this: -

Table-12

Educational status of the tribal and non-tribal working women

Tribal% Non-tribal %

Matriculation 22.2 -

Intermediate 37.7 7.6

Bachelor 31.6 47.1

Masters 6.6 38.04

Doctorate 2.2 6.6

Source: Bulletin of Bihar tribal welfare research Institute, Ranchi, January 1993.

The above data clearly indicates that there is a wide gap between

tribal and non-tribal women in regard to higher education. Among tribals,

the graduate percentage is only 31.6 where as among the non-tribal. females

it is 47.1 %.

Ramesh Sharan and Hireshwar Dayal ( 1993) in their study

"Deprivation of female farm labourers in Jharki1and region of Bihar" have

tried to investigate the nature, causes and consequences of the economic

173

discrimination and deprivation of tribal women farm labourers. This is

primarily due to Madaiti system of agricultural operation (mutual exchange

of farm labour) prevalent in this region and discrimination against and

consequent deprivation of female farm labourers both inside and outside

Madaiti ·system. This study was being carried· out in three neighboring

villages near urban centre Ranchi. It is claimed that tribal societies have an

egalitarian social stn1cture, but the gross economic discrimination ·against

women farm labourer is very pronounced. Their wage is less than their male

counter parts. They have to perform a major portion of agricultural of

operation and are subject to many other forms of economic exploitation. The

stagnation of tribal economy and consequent poverty of tribal people 1s

partly because of this discrimination.

Agriculture which is the main occupation of the tribals is carried out

through Madaiti · system. In this system the labour requirement of

agricultural operation is met through mutual and reciprocal exchange of

labour. The farmer whose field is cultivated through the Madaiti system

does not give money wages to the labourers. He only offers day time meals

and rice beer to the labourers who help him in cultivation. Since in this

system, labour is exchange on reciprocal basis, those who do not have

sufficient number of labourers in their family or those who do not want their

family members (especially the female members) to go to work in others

field, send hired labourers to pay for the obligation. The hired labourer's

works as substitutes of the family members of the person who has hired

them and may be called substitute labourers. Madaiti system is highly

discriminatory against women. It discriminates both in distribution of work

and reward. The major burden of the system lies on the shoulders of tribal

women. Except ploughing and digging, most of the agricultural perorations

174

are carried out by the women in such societies. They have to perform the

monotonous work of transplanting, weeding and harvesting. So, women of

such societies hardly have any time to enjoy life, while the males have too

much of it to be used for hunting, gambling, drinking and merry making.

When the tribals are hired as substitute labourers to pay for the obligation of

the Madatiti system, the female labourer get less wages than their male

counterparts. This difference exists in non- farm sectors also but the gap

between the male and female wage is less in the non-farm sector than in the

farm sector. The wage structure is shown in the table below:-

Table -13

Wage discrimination in farm and non-farm sector (Rs. Per day)

Farm Non-farm

In village Outside

Male- 20 to25 25 30

Female- 10 to 22 15 22

Though the women are the main contribution in production in the

agricultural sector of tribal economy, their share in the return of agricultural

is only marginal. The right over the main crop is customarily that of the male

members of tribal society. Worrien have control over only minor agricultural

and forest products.

The traditional division of labour among tribals is very discriminatory

against women. The tribals of Jharkhand are involved in three kinds of

production work - gathering, shifting cultivation and settled agriculture;

animal husbandry is associated with all. Fernandes and Menon(1980) have

very clearly mention that gathering involves colleCtion of various kinds of

175

forest produce which is generally done by women and children. The older

women stay at home and take care of the infants. Collection of firewood is

the responsibility of the women;. men assist in cutting the timber. Women

carry the firewood on their heads; men take it on the bullock carts or carry it

with the help of the shoulder pole. But there is a taboo on women using the

carrying pole or the bullock cart. The care of livestock is mainly women's

work. In agriculture ploughing is done by men but sowing and weeding is

done by women. Women and children also guard the crops at daytime. But

there is a taboo on women using the plough, thatching the roof or

participating in the sacrificial ceremonies of family spirits. This is very clear

in the table below:-

Table -14 ·

Average labour days spent by women and men

Type ofwork Women Men

Shifting cultivation 213.57 96.88

Wage labour 52.14 106.92

Firewood collection 135.12 61.57

Other forest produce 108.09 90.26

others 11.33 63.09

Source: Fernandes and Menon, 1987, Tribal women and forest economy, New Delhi

It is clear that women make a maJor contribution in the family

economy, but the prohibition imposed on her reflects the asymmetries

existing in gender relation even among the tribals. Men have an authoritarian

power over the women as they depend on men for basic work.

176

But now modern employment scenanos in the urban centers have

been changing especially the service sectors, in which the upper and middle

class tribal women are employed. They are well educated and also well

skilled, which make them quite smart and confidence - the real forte of the

middle and upper class. The free education and job reservation have helped

this section of tribal community to acquire a higher position in the society.

An educated unmarried daughter or sister bringing money home is welcome,

though in the process these girls are confronted with complex social

situation which affect their future. This is shown in the table below:-

Table -15

Job motivation of unmarried tribal and non-tribal working women

Motivation Tribal% Non-tribal %

1. Economic necessity 33.3 26.6

2.Economic

independence and 16.6 20.03

individualism

3. Waiting for marriage --- 30.0

(family/dowry problem)

4. Education- obstacle 50.0 23.5 . . mmamage

Source: - Bulletin of Bihar, Tribal welfare research institute, Ranchi, January 1993

The above data gives a clear indication that the job motivation of

tribal women in an urban centre is quite similar to the non-tribal women both

as economic necessity and independence. But tribal women have to face

problem for marriage is due to lack of proper educational attainment (50%)

on the other hand, non-tribals women basically have marriage problem due

to dowry or family matters (30.0%).

177

The female workers have been discriminated in the distribution of the

benefits of govt. programmes. According to a study conducted by BIRD

( Bihar integrated rural development, Ran chi), in Bhandara block of Ran chi,

only 10 percent of the total beneficiaries of IRDP between the years 1988

and 1991 were in the receiving of benefits of govt. programmes against that

section of tribal society (i.e. women) which has been found to use money

most economically.

Gender Disparity Scene in Political Movement and Politics

In Jharkhand, the political system of the tribals traditionally excludes

women. They participate in the village assemblies, only when they are

parties to a case, or called as witness. But still there are few exceptional

instances of a women becoming a village chief (Munda) or village priest

(pahan). For example Rekha Dhan (1961) mentions a women manki (head of

a group of villages) among the Hos of Saranda.

Though being excluded from the political system and leadership,

tribal women in Jharkhand has always actively participated in the various

rebellions both as fighters and informers. In April 1939, tribal women

participated in large number in that movement at Simko ground. And many

also sacrificed their lives. January 1948 Kharswan massacre and1946

Tapkara massacre are the example of tribal women being active participants

in various rallies and campaigns.

In the great Santhal rebellion of the 1850's, many women also

invariably members of the raiding parties apart from gathering the loot. But

the extension of women's role from the traditional ones into participation in

the raiding parties does not seem to have been accompanied by the extension

178

of women's political roles. On the contrary, the Santhal "hul" featured many

attacks on women as witches. At the same time in the process of fighting

British colonialism, the Santhal rebellion was also taking the community in

the direction of strengthening male dominance in political and social

spheres.

The Birsa Munda uprising of the end of the nineteenth century had a

strong puritanical streak. Birsa Munda has opposed many of the traditional

evils of Munda society like worship of spirits (Bongas) and drinking of rice

beer. Birsa Munda's aim was to revive the "golden age" of the Mundas and

for this he considered it necessary to oppose all the above practices which he

held responsible for the fall of the Mundas. One of the features of this

pristine age was that there was no violence against women. Birsa also asked

the tribal men to give up the practice of marrying more than once. Birsa's

puritanical programme was influenced by his contact with Christianity

(K.S.Singh, 1983).

Women played a substantial role in the Birsa Munda uprising. They

were not merely followers, going along with the raiding parties, but in the

Birsaite uprising they were frequently fighters. Birsa's constant companion,

Sali was an organizer in the struggle. One of the leaders of the movement,

Gaya Munda's wife Maki played a very important role in the movement.

Many women participated in the meetings. When some 7000 men and

women gathered at Chalkad, they were all armed. (K.S.Singh, 1983)

But according to Govind kelker and Dev Nathan (1991) the call in

Birsa's programme was not to the women to resist the various anti-women

actions. Such resistance would certainly have strengthen women and given

them a political position in the movement. Rather, Birsa's appeal was to the

Munda men to give up such practices as demeaning. Essentially the

179

opposition to anti-women practices was articulated in such a way as would

enhance the position of men, and thus of Munda society in the world around

them.

Again during 1972-73, in the leadership of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

(JMM) when Jharkhand movement regained its lost glory, tribal women

actively participated to make it a popular movement. Bilkani Toppo, Susan

Sisingi, Pilgiril Aind, Mrs. Rahil and Hilyani Topno were among the

important women leaders in J.M.M. There was a positive assertion of the

rights of women to economic independence from oppression by men in

family and society. But "the women's question was important again as part

of the movement for upliftment of the tribal society from its degradation"

(Manosi Mitra, 1983). Women did participated in large numbers in the

campaigns of the JMM, including seizure of land ,harvesting of paddy on

land appropriated by the moneylenders, recovery of pawned articles and so

on. They participated in the village councils that decide on these actions.

these village councils however were not the institutions that decided the

course of the movement. In the higher organizations of the JMM which is

where key decisions were taken, women were not present. So women's

participation only helped to mobilize them for action, without their being

able to influence the course. of movement. According to Manosi Mitra

( 1983) such participation was similar to the traditional tribe's councils of

earlier period. "In both women had the right to be heard, to demand justice,

to take· part in the deliberations of the general assembly, but not to take part

in any decision making".

It is in the especially "women's programmes" such as anti-liquor,

· , a.11ti-wife . beating campaigns and campaigns against witch hunting, that

women were associated with the leadership. But this was not based on an

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understanding of women as equals, but rather on the reasoning that such

practices were degrading for the tribal society, and it was essential to

eliminate these to assert the equal position of tribal male with Hindus. The

patriarchal ideology of the honour of the males, of society which needed to

be protected, women were thus regarded as vehicles of physical and cultural

reproduction who had to be at worst controlled and at best protected. So in

the name of preventing the sexual and moral corruption of tribal women by

non-tribals or Dikus, the attempt to enforce conformism to patriarchal norms

went further than the punishment to women, going out on their own. This

resulted in assaults on women attempting to go to work by· the village

volunteers and many a time even forcefully married off this led to the

'housewifeisation' which requires the women to become good wives and

mothers. So, JMM took up a programme of teaching domestic crafts like

cooking& stitching, so that the women are being trained to do these jobs

. better.

Another organisation, the Jharkhand Kranti Dal (JKD) in its

programme, refer to the problem of tribal women being driven into

prostitution. It has supported the demand of widows to life interest in land

and also taken up struggles against witch hunting. But it opposed the

demands of land rights for women. Women in JKD apart from being active

in campaigns and movements particularly bandhs and road blockades, have

also been going out of their village as organizers in the area. Women

organizers in the JKD are of the local committees, both at block and district

levels. There are also some women in the central committee, but none in the

decision making positions. So the pattern of women being mobilized for the

Jharkhand movement without being able to influence its course of having

any say in decision making continues.

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The All Jharkhand Student Union (AJSU) and the Jharkhand

Coordination Committee (JCC) both have some women in their committees,

but again none in the decision making positions. The AJSU declaration

(1988) upholds the prevailing equal rights of women with men, which were

actually unequal. But it also refers to encouraging widow remarriage and

paying special attention to women's literacy. The JCC in its declaration

(1987) refers to economic deprivation and sex exploitation of tribal women.

It advocates the activization of the traditional Institutional like village

Panchayats and the Munda- Manki system. But there is no proposal to

extend the traditional Institutions to include the full participation of women,

participation not only in discussion, but also in decision making.

Jharkhand Mahila Mukti Samiti was formed in 1987. It raised a

number of questions about women's role in Jharkhand society and in the

Jharkhand movement. Some note has been taken of the necessity of

changing Adivasi customs to include women's right to land.

SECTION-IV

Status of Tribal Women in Ran chi town: A Brief Overview

The status of tribal women in modem world is very peculiar, where

as they have relatively higher social status when compare to their non-tribal

counterparts, yet they are the most economically deprived. The division of

labour is tilting heavily to their disadvantage. The question of their

empowerment is wrought with problems which have some areas that are

common to women in general while some are specific to them. One of the

most significance consequence of the changing socio- economic conditions

in a growing industrial city and the new state capital, Ranchi during the past

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few decades in the phenomenon of women coming out of their seclusion and

entering into vocation which offers them relatively more money and less

backbreaking work. The exposure of women to the urban situation of Ran chi

city is another factor responsible which let them knew the usefulness of

niodem education gave various versions in support. Education helps get

good jobs that add to family income which also improves standards of

living. Further with a better economic background and education the girls

get married to educated boys. Women had realized the importance of

economic independence, as this enables her to gain independent social

status, because she is doing work other than her own household chores

which is unpaid, unrecognized and therefore not valued. In addition to the

desire of establishment her own identity, a women whether poor or from the

middle class today earns to contribute towards the family income or to

utilize her leisure time in education pursuits.

In Ranchi city, it is a paradox however those on the one hand upper

strata women are economically better off, highly educated, professionally

qualified and they are able to secure respectable positions in the employment

sector through which they acquire positions of power and recognition. And

on the other women belonging to lower strata are mostly exposed to acute

· poverty, ill-health and illiteracy. The percentage of women belonging to

upper and middle class is very low compare to the lower class. But it is very

clear that progressive modernization brought by the adoption of Christianity

and spread of education have generally altered the contemporary situation

among the tribal women and they have began participating in diverse

modem activities. In the urban centre women's organization and NGOs are

playing significant and effective role in fighting against social evils

prevailing in the traditional social structure of tribal society like alcoholism,

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witch hunting and also they mobilize people against the exploitation of tribal

women in many ways like discriminatory wage system and illiteracy of

tribal girl child etc, which also helps in removing certain traditional social

stigma on women. The tribal society does allow a certain amount of freedom

for women. But now the exposures of these tribes to Hindu society and

customs have imposed many restrictions on the tribal women and their

freedom .. The social reform movement led by the Jharkhand movement is

also responsible for the emancipation of women in more than one aspects

and status. They have to attain more economic independence, greater

bargaining power and exposure to the external world to enable them to adapt

themselves to changing situation ..

*****

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