Women and religion in the nomadic Nat community in India: A view from within

Abstract

Women and religion have a complex and multifaceted relationship that has evolved throughout history. Religion affects nomadic women's social, cultural, economic, and political standing. However, despite extensive research, many women from unique collectivities have been left out of the narratives of marginalized socio-histories and their voice is yet to be documented and heard. This study examines how religion simultaneously empowers and constrains the role of Nat women in everyday life who are engaged in productive activities in either domestic or public spaces. Narrative case studies have helped to shed a light on certain gender issues of Nat nomadic tribe. As part of this research, thirty (30) Nat households and five (5) Nat community heads from Gariyaband district of Chhattisgarh, India, were interviewed. Narrative analysis was used for analyzing the data collected, the findings of which show simultaneous practices of Hinduism and Islam by Nat community. Both religions put the Nat women in both advantageous and disadvantageous positions. For instance, Hindu Nat women perform acrobatics in public fairs while Muslim Nat women are engaged in dhol making activities restricted to the domestic space of their household. The intention of this article is therefore to promote visibility of Nat community and pave a way for any possible positive change for the betterment of Nat women.