Traditional Manki-Munda System Faces Modern Challenges
Recent protests by the Ho tribe in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district have brought into light tensions between indigenous governance and state administration. The community fears interference in their traditional Manki-Munda system after rumours spread about the removal of village heads known as Mundas. The district administration clarified that these leaders remain part of the revenue and governance system. However, the conflict exposes deeper issues around autonomy, hereditary roles, and the need for reforms in tribal self-governance.
The Manki-Munda System
The Manki-Munda system is a traditional governance structure of the Ho tribe in Jharkhand’s Kolhan region. The Munda is the hereditary village head responsible for resolving local socio-political disputes. The Manki oversees a group of villages and handles appeals beyond the Munda’s jurisdiction. This system operated independently of revenue or land matters and had no external sovereign authority before British rule.
Impact of British Colonial Rule
The East India Company’s arrival in the 18th century introduced taxation and land revenue demands, disrupting the Ho tribe’s autonomy. The Permanent Settlement Act (1793) imposed fixed, high land taxes on zamindars, leading to land seizures in Kolhan. This caused early adivasi revolts such as the Ho revolt (1821-22) and Kol revolt (1831-32). British attempts to control the region by force failed, prompting a strategic alliance with traditional leaders.
Wilkinson’s Rules and Colonial Integration
Captain Thomas Wilkinson, Political Agent in Kolhan, codified the Manki-Munda system in 1833 through 31 rules. These ‘Wilkinson’s Rules’ formalised tribal governance and integrated it with British administration. The rules preserved tribal autonomy while enabling colonial control. This led to demographic changes, including an influx of non-tribal settlers and the introduction of private land ownership concepts, which altered traditional communal land relations.
Post-Independence Governance and Legal Status
After 1947, the Kolhan Government Estate was dissolved but Wilkinson’s Rules continued to guide tribal governance. Courts generally upheld these rules until 2000, when they were deemed customary rather than formal law. The Jharkhand government recognised the Nyaya Panch traditional judicial system in 2021 to handle revenue and dispute matters, reaffirming tribal self-governance within the modern state framework.
Current Conflict and Administrative Role
Recent complaints from Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes in Ho villages led to district administration clarifying the roles of Mundas and Mankis. Misinterpretation of directives sparked protests fearing interference. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the administration’s role is limited to supporting transparency and filling vacancies in traditional posts. The challenge lies in balancing respect for customs with administrative accountability.
Calls for Reform and Youth Perspectives
Many in the Ho community, especially youth, seek reforms to end hereditary leadership and allow educated, competent candidates to serve as Mundas and Mankis. Traditional leaders often lack formal education, hindering their ability to handle modern legal and administrative tasks. Assistant roles have been created to support village heads, but demand for change reflects a desire to adapt the system to contemporary democratic and governance standards.
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