Search results

Since time immemorial, Jharkhand region of Bihar happens to be the homeland of large number of people primarily tribals. Although the history of the area is obscure, it seems that various tribal groups came in the area, cleared the forest and settled in the valleys. They developed their own set of traditions and customs determining ownership, use and succession of land and common property resources. However, after living in relative isolation, the area has witnessed outside impositions since Mughal period. Each phase of history has brought new challenges and threats over the resources of these people, both individual and common property resources. The tribals in Jharkhand have a long history, both violent and non-violent protests in the area. The history of formal agrarian legislation bagan in the British period and each protest led to a new set of legislation in the area. The process continues till date. The present paper makes a modest attempt to discuss briefly the Agrarian legislation in the Jharkhand region of Bihar in a historical perspective namely in pre-British, British and post-Independence period.

The need for self governance in general and tribal self governance in particular is being advocated by various groups both at National and International levels, sometimes for differing reasons and in various forms. The present paper evaluates the Bhuria Committee recommendations in general and identifies the difficulties with implementation in the Jharkhand Region of Bihar.

Tribal land alienation happens to be one of the most important issues in Jharkhand which has also attracted considerable attention in the past. The tribals in general and in Jharkhand particularly have witnessed continued alienation and encroachment on their resources both individual and community. The present paper discusses in brief the process, pattern and causes of land alienation in the post-Independence period. This is based oh a sample study conducted in Ranchi and Dumka districts of Jharkhand. The paper outlines the mode and typology of land alienation in the two districts. The paper points out the alienation of land both for public projects and to individuals has continued inspite of various legislations. However, the process of alienation has slowed down since 1980s and the pattern of alienation has also changed.

The present paper gives an outline of socio-economic situation of tribals in the Jharkhand Region of Bihar. Besides discussing the typologies of villages in the area, it aIso discusses the livelihood support system of people in general and tribals in particular. It also outlines the access to facilities in the villages. It has also identified various poverty groups in the area, the socio-economic attitudes of the tribals and the constraints in development as perceived by the tribals themselves as well as the respondents perception about methods to renew the constraints.

Tribals in general have a traditional system of governance which continue still date in one form or the other. The present paper discusses the state of traditional system of governance amongst the major tribal groups in the Jharkhand Region of Bihar. The paper gives an outline of the functioning of the traditional system of governance in the area. It discusses effectiveness of system, participation of people including women, the opinions of tribals, non-tribals and the leaders of this system regarding effectiveness and the functioning of the system.

The paper is based on Secondary sources census, NSS data and the published research reports and articles. It briefly outlines the status of tribals in the Jharkhand region of Bihar. It discusses the demographic characteristics, literacy, education and health status of tribals in the region. It also describes in brief economic features and living conditions. It points out that the tribal groups are very heterogeneous and are at different levels of development and areas to resources. It argues that despite the guarantees enshrined in the Constitution of India, the tribals have lowest health, education and income status and except for a minority population, the development process initiated in the post Independence period has almost bypassed them. It also indicates the implication of the demographic feature for development intervention.