Kurmis

Source: IE

Context: Kurmis in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha have revived their agitation demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and inclusion of Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

About Kurmis:

• What It Is?

• Kurmi / Kudmi Community: A historically agrarian and peasant community, presently classified as OBC in most States. Demand: Recognition as a Scheduled Tribe and codification of their Sarna (nature-worshipping) religion.

• Kurmi / Kudmi Community: A historically agrarian and peasant community, presently classified as OBC in most States.

• Demand: Recognition as a Scheduled Tribe and codification of their Sarna (nature-worshipping) religion.

• Region Found In:

• West Bengal: Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia (Junglemahal region). Jharkhand: Palamu, Kolhan, North & South Chotanagpur. Odisha: Mayurbhanj and adjoining areas. Bihar: Presence in Purnia, Katihar, Araria districts (linked to OBC Kurmis).

• West Bengal: Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia (Junglemahal region).

• Jharkhand: Palamu, Kolhan, North & South Chotanagpur.

• Odisha: Mayurbhanj and adjoining areas.

• Bihar: Presence in Purnia, Katihar, Araria districts (linked to OBC Kurmis).

• Historical Background:

• 1931 Census: Listed as “Scheduled Tribes.” Post-Independence: Excluded from ST list in 1950 without formal notification. Freedom Struggle Contribution: Played major roles in Chuar Rebellion, Indigo Rebellion, Santhal Uprising, and Quit India Movement (leaders like Raghunath Mahato, Gopal Mahato). British Era Recognition: Gazette notifications (1913 & 1931) identified them as a “Notified Tribe” with distinct customary inheritance practices.

• 1931 Census: Listed as “Scheduled Tribes.”

• Post-Independence: Excluded from ST list in 1950 without formal notification.

• Freedom Struggle Contribution: Played major roles in Chuar Rebellion, Indigo Rebellion, Santhal Uprising, and Quit India Movement (leaders like Raghunath Mahato, Gopal Mahato).

• British Era Recognition: Gazette notifications (1913 & 1931) identified them as a “Notified Tribe” with distinct customary inheritance practices.

• Key Features:

• Agrarian Community: Primarily engaged in farming; famed as market gardeners and land-clearers. Totemic & Nature-Worshipping: Follow Sarna religion, worship nature, hills, trees—claim tribal cultural continuity. Distinct Identity: Reject identification with Kshatriya Kurmis of north India, assert Dravidian/tribal roots. Present Status: Classified as OBC under Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) 1908, demanding ST re-inclusion and language recognition.

• Agrarian Community: Primarily engaged in farming; famed as market gardeners and land-clearers.

• Totemic & Nature-Worshipping: Follow Sarna religion, worship nature, hills, trees—claim tribal cultural continuity.

• Distinct Identity: Reject identification with Kshatriya Kurmis of north India, assert Dravidian/tribal roots.

• Present Status: Classified as OBC under Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) 1908, demanding ST re-inclusion and language recognition.