POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND PARTICIPATION OF SANTHAL COMMUNITY IN POST INDEPENDENCE MIDNAPORE DISTRICT – A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

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The Santhal community, one of the largest tribal groups in India, has a rich history of socio-political movements, particularly in regions like Midnapore, West. Bengal. Post-independence, their political consciousness and mobilization have been shaped by both historical legacies and the socio-economic and political changes introduced in independent India. This abstract examines the evolution of the Santhal community political awareness and organization in Midnapore, focusing on key developments and their implications. Historically, the Santhals have been associated with resistance movements, notably the Santhal Rebellion (1855-56) against colonial exploitation. This legacy of struggle created a strong collective identity, which laid the foundation for their post-independence political mobilization. However, the period after 1947 presented a new set of challenges and opportunities for the Santhals. While the Indian Constitution provided legal safeguards for Scheduled Tribes (ST), including reservations in political representation and education, systemic socio-economic disparities, and marginalization continued to plague the community. In Midnapore, the Santhals faced exploitation in agriculture, where they worked as laborers, and displacement due to development projects. These issues, coupled with limited access to education and healthcare, spurred political awakening. Various political parties and organizations sought to mobilize the Santhals, often using their grievances as a rallying point. The Communist movement, which had a strong presence in West Bengal, played a significant role in organizing Santhals in Midnapore, particularly around land rights and labor issues. The Naxalite movement of the 1960s further influenced Santhal political consciousness, as many tribal youths were drawn to its revolutionary rhetoric. At the same time, identity politics began to play an increasingly significant role in Santhal mobilization. These movements emphasized cultural preservation, land rights, and political representation, aligning with the aspirations of the Santhal community.