On the Future of Indigenous Traditions - Munin

Where does this divide of different positions of these two sectors lead our discussion?
To answer this question, the discussion is not limited to Adivasi and anti-Adivasi
positions here. It is about two different perspectives and life orientations and the
values attached, i.e. the collective and communitarian vs. the individual and market
oriented. In the context of modern nation-states, this distinction has been raised as the
basic survival question for the indigenous groups by their representatives in the last
two decades at the United Nations through the introduction of the draft Declaration on
the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples. However, the issues raised here are not denied
by the state governments, but there has been an on going debate on the definition of
‘indigenous’. In the United Nation Working Group’ process, it has also been argued at
a point that the issue of indigenous people does not arise in Asian and African
countries.
The argument here is that the Adivasis are not accepted as Aboriginal on their land,
but only as ‘Scheduled Tribe’. Moreover, the protective measures in their constitution,
limits their own basis to have autonomous communities with their own social and
cultural orientation. On the one hand the modern state treats them as individuals on
the same level as other citizens, yet on the other hand there are conditions that arise
which limit them from letting them ‘develop with their own genius’ – which has its
basis in their social and cultural orientations. What causes this limitation is, when
large scale developmental structures are introduced in their areas limiting Adivasis
participation to the “reserved” seats. At the same time on the other hand, there is a
need among the Adivasis and indigenous peoples for wider consolidation of their
perspectives.
5.2. In search of modern benchmarks
There could be a few broad areas of thoughts emerging out of the discussion on the
formation of this indigenous identity and the historical struggles for protecting itself
and their distinctiveness. The argument brought forward from the earlier discussions,
is to reiterate that the customary system of the Adivasis in Jharkhand is the
manifestation of their holistic identity. This identity is at threat of being
overshadowed due to certain factors not questioned before. Thus, the question is how
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