Revaluation of Tradition in the Ideology of the Radical Adivasi Resistance in Colonial Eastern India, 1855–1932—Part II

Abstract

After presenting the elements of the radical adivasi movement and defining tradition and ideology, the first and published part of this article discussed the radical build-up and main features of the Santal, Munda, Oraon and the Ho movements, which believed in the supernatural intervention and reposed faith in their rebel leaders as redeemers. The belief is commonly known as millenarianism. The movements illustrate two crucial elements of millenarianism: appearance of a charismatic leader as the exponent of its radical ideology, and the pervasive belief among the rebels that their cause would inevitably triumph because it had been blessed by a supernatural agency. The present and final part of the study discusses the cultural implications of the radical ideology for the adivasi world. These radical movements aimed at dismantling the structure of domination and creation of an independent adivasi polity. An essential part of the radical ideology was ‘religious revitalisation’, also known as purification programme.