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Who are the Indian Adivasi? How ancient are they?
In the vast land of India, the word Adivasi seems to be a puzzle wrapped in history. These tribes with different behaviors and cultures span many regions of the Indian subcontinent and symbolize ancient and diverse lifestyles and identities. According to statistics, the Adivasi group accounts for about 8.6% of the total population of India. They are considered to be the indigenous people of India, but this identity is often intertwined with modern political and historical backgrounds, forming an intricate story.
Adivasi are ancient forest dwellers and represent a group of indigenous cultures that have never been extinguished.
Imprints of history: Adivasi’s legacy
The word Adivasi comes from Sanskrit and means "original inhabitants". According to archaeological and anthropological research, many of today's Adivasi communities gradually formed after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization and are intertwined with ancient hunter-gatherer and multilingual ethnic groups. Among these groups, the tribes of the Andaman Islands have retained the purest cultural characteristics due to their long-term geographical isolation, and have become the focus of anthropological and historical research.
"The name Adivasi was coined by political activists in the 1930s to give tribal people an indigenous identity."
Law and policy: Adivasi’s political status
Although the Indian Constitution uses the term "Scheduled Tribes" to refer to Adivasi, the identity of these tribes is still not fully recognized by law. Although the government has ratified several conventions of the United Nations and the International Labor Organization, it explicitly does not regard tribes as indigenous peoples. This leaves many Adivasi feeling marginalized.
The rights and development of Adivasi have become more complicated with social changes. In the early 20th century, many Adivasi movements began to emerge in India, demanding land rights and social justice, but they still face challenges today.
"Despite its long cultural and social history, Adivasi still have to fight for basic rights today."
Population and Distribution: Diverse Cultural Perspectives
In India, different Adivasi groups call specific regions home, from the Himalayan foothills in the north to Chhattisgarh and Orissa in the east, where the Adivasi population is most concentrated. According to 2011 data, there are more than 100 million Adivasi in India, while in Bangladesh the number is about 2 million.
They have their own language and culture. The language of Adivasi can be roughly divided into seven language groups, including Andamanese, Ostra-Asiatic and Dravida languages. Among these tribes, unique myths, music and dances are still passed down from generation to generation.
Adivasi’s religion and beliefs
The Adivasi community has diverse religious beliefs, often closely related to nature worship. Many communities still adhere to traditional Animist beliefs and strive to maintain their culture amid the changes in modern society. For example, in Orissa, the Sarna faith, the main religion of the Adivasi in the region, encompasses nature worship and communal rituals.
"The belief systems of various tribes are usually different from the Vedic religion in Indian history, and there is no concept of idolatry and reincarnation."
Conclusion: A self-repair of identity
Adivasi’s story is one of culture, power and resistance. Local communities are constantly interacting with the outside world and adapting to change, but they are also committed to preserving their unique identity and history. Looking back at the history of these tribes, one cannot help but think: How can we better understand and respect the existence of these ancient cultures in the midst of modernization?
