In 1871 the British Government passed an act commonly known as the Criminal Tribes Act. It was first enforced in the northern part of India, and later was extended to Bengal (1876) and other areas, with the Madras Presidency being the last to enact it in 1911. Under the Act 150 notified castes of ‘hereditary criminals’ within the Hindu system were to be kept under police surveillance. More castes were added to the list. With the emergence of globalization as a global market theory, there is a wholesome change in the dynamics of relationship as well as outlook on the different aspect. Globalization is nothing but the spread of capitalistic regimes all over the world through economic control, forced political capitulation, creating the culture of consumption, and a social system dominated by market values. Even the little breathing space one could attain through the reservation policy is also shrinking day after day. This category became increasingly open ended and by 1871 the British had prepared an official list of Criminal Tribes. For instance, Bhils who had fought the British rule in Kandesh and on the banks of Narmada and were convicted under section 110 of the IPC were to be recognized as criminal tribes. Similarly Satnamis of Chhattisgarh who formed the new sect of Satnam pant were also listed within the category due to their anti-Brahiminical movement. In many of the north Indian states the Chamars of different clan and family were categories in this list. The Konds and Sabors of Orissa, who fought several armed battles in Kondhomal also found place in this list. The Gonds, Marias and Murias of Bastar had the same fate as they too fought militant revolts using clandestine and guerilla warfare tactics. Tribes of Chottanagpur areas like the Mundas, Oraons, Ho and the Santhals of Santhal Pargana also found their names in this list as they fought a series of battles against British invasion into their land, and also due to the fact that British lost many of these battles so badly. Unfortunately many of these brave struggles have not found space in the history books.
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 17:21:39 +0000
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