The Pathalgadi Movement was a significant tribal uprising in the Indian state of Jharkhand during 2017-18. It drew attention to the indigenous population’s assertion of their rights and autonomy. The movement was characterized by the use of traditional stone plaques, known as ‘pathalgadis’, which have deep cultural significance for the tribal communities involved.
Origins and Cultural Significance of Pathalgadi
The term ‘pathalgadi’ is derived from the practice of erecting stone slabs or plaques by various tribes. These stones traditionally served multiple purposes, such as commemorating ancestors, announcing important decisions, and demarcating village boundaries. This cultural tradition was repurposed during the Pathalgadi Movement as a symbol of protest and solidarity among the tribal groups.
The PESA Act and the 5th Schedule of the Constitution
At the heart of the Pathalgadi Movement was the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA Act, of 1996, along with the 5th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The PESA Act recognizes the self-governance of the tribal people through Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) for the Scheduled Areas and gives them powers over matters relating to land, forest, and other natural resources. The 5th Schedule provides protection to the tribes in these areas, giving them certain autonomous powers and rights over land and resources.
Civil servants played a key role in the initial stages of the movement by erecting pathalgadis with inscriptions of the PESA Act and the 5th Schedule to educate the tribal population about their constitutional rights and the importance of these provisions in safeguarding their autonomy.
Governmental Attempts to Alter Land Legislation
The spark that ignited widespread protests across Jharkhand was the government’s attempt to amend land laws. These proposed changes were perceived as a threat to the traditional rights of the tribal communities over their lands. The government’s intention to tweak the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act was seen as an infringement on the rights guaranteed under the PESA Act and the 5th Schedule.
The CNT and SPT Acts protect the land rights of the tribal people, prohibiting the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals. Any amendments to these acts raised concerns among the tribes about potential land alienation and exploitation by outsiders.
The Escalation of Protests
In response to the government’s actions, the tribes rose in massive protests, using the pathalgadi tradition as a means of resistance. Large stone plaques were erected at the entry points of villages, declaring the autonomy of the Gram Sabhas and asserting that the laws of the Indian state would not apply within their ancestral lands.
These pathalgadis often bore inscriptions highlighting the rights of the tribal people under the PESA Act and the Constitution. The movement quickly spread across hundreds of villages in Jharkhand, with pathalgadis serving as a visual representation of dissent and a call for the preservation of tribal autonomy.
Impact and Response to the Pathalgadi Movement
The Pathalgadi Movement had a significant impact on the political and social landscape of Jharkhand. It brought national attention to the issues faced by the tribal communities and underscored the importance of respecting their rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
The government’s response to the movement was mixed. While some officials attempted to engage with the tribal leaders and address their concerns, others viewed the movement as a law and order problem, leading to clashes between the protesters and security forces.
Despite the challenges, the Pathalgadi Movement remains a powerful expression of tribal identity and self-determination. It has highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach to development and governance in India’s Scheduled Areas, ensuring that the voices of the most marginalized communities are heard and respected.
