Journey Through Jharkhand, Dispatch 1: A Primer On History, Politics, And People

Prologue

Jharkhand finds itself gradually entering election mode. In 2019, elections were held in the months of November and December. This moment presents a fitting opportunity to traverse its landscapes and gather vox populi from regions often overlooked by mainstream media.

Regrettably, Jharkhand as a whole remains largely absent from the consciousness of Delhi’s media. Nevertheless, I have steered clear of urban centres and decided to spend a few weeks in the state’s lesser-known, particularly its tribal, districts.

A brief note on methodology: the observations and reflections presented in this series derive from the quality of conversations rather than their quantity, distinguishing it from conventional surveys. This ethnographic approach allows for nuanced conversations.

If more journalists engaged in similar endeavours, we might gain a richer, more comprehensive assessment of the state. While surveys have their own merits, they are a different beast altogether.

Geography

Let us get a quick lay of the land for Jharkhand. Jharkhand has five divisions, that is, Palamu, North Chhotanagpur, South Chhotanagpur, Kolhand, and Santhal Parganas.

Palamu, situated in the west, bears characteristics reminiscent of the Hindi heartland, featuring a greater concentration of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) compared to tribal populations.

In contrast, Santhal Parganas in the east and Kolhan in the south are predominantly tribal regions, while North and South Chhotanagpur exhibit a mixed demographic profile. Between these areas lies the urban corridor of Ranchi-Ramgarh-Bokaro-Dhanbad.

Demographics

Tribal communities constitute 26 per cent of Jharkhand’s population, while Scheduled Castes (SCs) account for 12 per cent. Anticipated census data may reveal an even higher tribal demographic. Of the 26 per cent, approximately 75 per cent belong to four primary tribes: Santhal, Oraon, Munda, and Ho. The state is represented by 81 assembly seats (plus one nominated member), of which 28 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs). (Five of the 14 parliamentary constituencies are reserved for STs.)

The Santhals rank as the third largest tribal group in India, following the Bhils and Gonds, and represent the largest tribal community in Jharkhand. While the Santhals are spread across West Bengal and Odisha, their heartland lies in the north-eastern region of Jharkhand known as Santhal Parganas. This community has seen significant political representation, with figures such as President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Hemant Soren emerging from its ranks. Some commentators have even referred to this period as a “Golden Age” for the Santhals.

Khortha is the most widely spoken language, utilised by approximately a quarter of the population. It shares linguistic roots and script with Hindi. Additionally, around 10 per cent of the populace speaks Bengali and Santhali each. The lack of robust English-language coverage from Jharkhand presents a promising opportunity for media entrepreneurs.

Over the past decade, the Christian and Muslim populations in Jharkhand have surged by 30 per cent, compared to a 20 per cent increase among Hindus. In light of concerns regarding demographic shifts, the Jharkhand High Court has established a panel to investigate claims of Bangladeshi infiltration in the Santhal Parganas.

Development

Jharkhand ranks among the poorest states in India, with districts such as Pakur and Sahibganj in the Santhal Parganas facing extreme poverty. Despite proximity to the Ganges and a chief minister hailing from the region, these areas remain dismally underdeveloped. Nearly all districts are included in the Aspirational Districts Program. We will discuss these in the later dispatches.

The post-independent history of Jharkhand is marred by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), with the state designated as a part of the "Red Corridor."

Five districts in the south and the west that continue to experience sporadic unrest remain part of 38 districts across India grappling with the ramifications of LWE.

The state has among the largest mining towns in India in Bokaro, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad. But many of the mineral-rich areas fall under the lands protected by the fifth schedule of the Constitution and hence could not be explored. Jharkhand's potential remains untapped, as seen in the following figure.

Nevertheless, Jharkhand is home to several esteemed educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhanbad; the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi; XLRI Jamshedpur; Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra; and BIT Sindri, alongside the newly operational All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar.

History

A few highlights that struck me from reading about the delightful history of the state:

• Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang traversed Jharkhand. 

• The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were marked by numerous uprisings against British colonialism, most notably the Santhal rebellion led by Sidhu-Kanhu, which foreshadowed the later revolt spearheaded by Bhagwan Birsa Munda. 

• The Congress session of 1943, which took place in Ramgarh under the leadership of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, was called the "anti-compromise" conference. Swami Sahajanand and Netaji Bose made significant interventions during the event.

Politics

Jharkhand state was carved out of Bihar in 2000. Babulal Marandi was the first chief minister. (He is also the current state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)). His tenure saw significant progress in the state till his resignation, prompted by an ill-fated domicile policy. 

It initiated what many refer to as the “lost decade” for Jharkhand, marked by short tenures of government headed by Arjun Munda, Madhu Koda, Shibhu Soren, and Hemant Soren. During this period, the state was placed under the president’s rule on three occasions, totalling over 600 days.

Raghubar Das was the first chief minister to complete a full five-year term, concluding in 2019. His administration was noted for its integrity and progressive initiatives, including the passage of the Religious Freedom Bill, which landed severe blows to the conversion mafia. 

His attempts to amend the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act to facilitate development by acquiring tribal land faced fierce opposition.

The tribal population, egged on by civil society groups, started the Pathalgadi movement, ultimately prompting the president of India to withhold assent to these amendments. The contentious issue of “CNT” remains a hot topic in tribal politics.

In November 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in November from the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Ulihatu, Khunti district — a poignant symbolic gesture.

Election 2024

The political landscape leading into the 2024 election reflects significant changes, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-Indian National Developmental Inclusive (INDI) alliance seat split shifting from 12-2 in 2019 to 9-5 in 2024 as a result of the BJP losing all five tribal constituencies. The current election cycle evokes a sense of déjà vu.

The current election gives the "We have seen this picture before" vibes. 

On one side stands the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Indian National Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) coalition, which is seeped in corruption and communalism. This alliance has been adept at disseminating misinformation among tribal populations regarding land rights and identity and hence keeping them on tenterhooks.

There is an unfettered Islamic invasion from Bangladesh in the eastern parts and a Christian onslaught in the western and southern tribal regions. Urban naxals and assorted civil society organisations have aligned themselves with this narrative, even inciting tribals to advocate for the Sarna faith as a distinct Hindu religion.

In opposition, the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are mobilising against these threats. PM Modi was scathing about demographic invasion in his rally at Jamshedpur. 

However, the BJP gives a perception of appearing fragmented. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Shivraj Singh Chauhan, the party’s election prabharis, have hit the ground running. The Jharkhand government has complained to the Election Commission about them polarising society. 

In forthcoming dispatches, we will engage with the voices of Jharkhand’s citizens to illuminate the evolving dynamics of this election.