A mob assembled at the Red Fort in Delhi on May 24 asking that tribals should not get the constitutional advantages designated for the Scheduled Tribes following conversion. The gathering was led by Janjati Suraksha Manch, a “constituent organisation of the Sangh Parivar”. At the time of the occurrence Christian tribals were “accused” of having the “double advantage”.
But the assertions of a “double advantage” for Christian tribals ignore their constitutional rights and actual realities. Conversion does not take away their tribal identity or the historical disadvantages that go with it.
The ‘double advantage’ myth also misses the reality of ‘double marginalisation’. Christian tribals have had to shoulder the burden of their identity in the larger world and antagonism for their faith.
Scheduled Tribe reservation is not a religious reservation. Its roots are essentially in the historic marginalisation, physical isolation and social and educational backwardness.
If the full identity held through these major periods/occurrences, then how does a person become less tribal just via conversion? Conversion does not necessary imply abandonment of tribal culture, language or traditions.
In reality, the practice of ‘otherness’ by mainstream culture and dominant religion has been one of the key causes for tribals to go towards Christianity. Christianity substitutes the “otherness” with oneness in Christ, and performs assimilation within the perimeter of the community.
Examples of literary inclusion include translations of Santhali Bible, grammar and other materials by Norwegian missionary P O Bodding.
Md Sirajul Islam (2014) “Ethical Practices of Santhal Tribes: An Exposition with Special Reference to Birbhum District” provides cultural integration. Even now the Santhals widely practise dobok’ johar (Santhali greeting) and janga-abuk’ (washing feet). These behaviours transcend the religious distinctions of bideen (non-Christian) and esoie (Christian). Even after conversion we signed signatures still retain our tribal surnames and Easter is still “Paska” for us.
Claims of “double advantage”, of Christian tribals obtaining more than they should, continue despite cultural identification.
“Double advantage” implies Christian tribals get the advantage of minority privileges and ST reserve Such ‘privileges’ or affirmative measures are there because the community is constantly subjected to ‘double disadvantage’ or ‘double marginalisation’.
The tribal church has always been on the fringe attempting to fend off the attacks and charges of corrupting the indigenous culture and splitting their community. On the other side, the local tribal church is likewise criticised and censored by the orthodoxy within the church leadership. The continuing persecution of Christian tribals shows that “double marginalisation” is very much a reality.
The 2008 Kandhamal violence, the 2023 violence in Manipur against Christian Kuki people, and instances of denial of burial to Christian tribals show that converted tribals are targeted not just for their identity but because they are Christians. Assaults under the pretext of religious conversion and recurrent attacks on prayer gatherings are about to be normalised.
In speaking about delisting, we must always remember that conversion changes one’s faith, but does not modify the framework of oppression or soften the oppressor.
The story of delisting coming from the right side has been establishing damaging barriers among tribal people. The emphasis today should be not on the delisting of Christian tribals but on the upliftment of non-Christian tribals. Removal of reserve from Christian tribals does not only negate their upliftment but is also of no use to the other group.
Tribals have been plundered of their lands, dwellings, basic amenities like clean water, education, healthcare and even recreation throughout history. Why would their identity dissolve at the gates of a church, if it can endure relocation, mining, and institutional violence?
So after all this, just how tribal is a tribal Christian? If I may say so, they never ceased being one. How can I tell?
I am one of them. Knowing, having, and saying.
