Traditional Governance System of the Ho Tribe
The Ho tribe of Jharkhand's Kolhan region has a traditional governance system comprising of village heads known as Mundas and Mankis. This system, known as the Manki-Munda system, has been integral to managing socio-political disputes and maintaining autonomy.
Role of Mundas and Mankis
- Mundas are responsible for resolving village-level socio-political disputes.
- Mankis head a group of villages known as pir, which includes 8 to 15 villages.
- The system was designed to be a self-governing mechanism with no external sovereign authority or revenue responsibilities.
British Influence and Changes
With the advent of British rule, particularly after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), significant changes occurred:
- The introduction of the Permanent Settlement Act (1793) led to land deeds and increased revenue demands on zamindars, who pressured the Ho lands for control.
- This pressure resulted in adivasi revolts, such as the Ho and Kol revolts of the early 19th century.
- To manage the Ho population, the British co-opted traditional leaders, implementing Wilkinson's Rules in 1833, which formally codified the Ho governance system.
- These rules facilitated the integration of Kolhan with British India and led to demographic shifts, including an influx of non-tribals.
Wilkinson's Rules and Modern Developments
Though the Kolhan Government Estate (KGE) was dissolved post-1947, Wilkinson's Rules remain largely applicable, albeit questioned in courts. In 2021, Jharkhand recognized the traditional judicial system for revenue-related activities.
Current Conflict and Challenges
The recent protest by the Ho tribe against the Deputy Commissioner (DC) highlights ongoing tensions:
- Complaints by SCs and OBCs against Mundas led to administrative interventions to ensure transparency in the Manki-Munda system.
- Misinterpretations of the administration's actions have fueled rumors and unrest.
Larger Issues and Reforms
- There are vacancies in Manki and Munda posts, with efforts to fill them through Gram Sabhas.
- Some in the Ho community advocate for ending hereditary roles to include educated individuals.
- The current system struggles with modernization, as many traditional leaders lack formal education.
Shankar Sidhu from the Adivasi Ho Yuva Mahasabha emphasizes the need for reforms while preserving the traditional system within a 21st-century democratic context.
