Chapter 9: Important Cultures and Traditions : Mulbasi Communities of Jharkhand

Chapter 9: Mulbasi Communities of Jharkhand

Jharkhand is home to a diverse range of indigenous communities, including the Mulbasi communities such as the Kudmi and others. These communities have played a significant role in shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscape of the region. This chapter delves into their culture, art, festivals, professions, lifestyle, and community development initiatives.

9.1 Introduction to Mulbasi Communities

The term "Mulbasi" refers to the original settlers or indigenous inhabitants of Jharkhand. Among them, the Kudmi community holds a prominent place, along with others like the Kharwar, Teli, Koeri, Mahto, Bhumihar, and various agricultural and artisan groups. These communities have preserved their traditions and customs while also adapting to modern societal changes.

9.2 Culture and Traditions

Mulbasi communities of Jharkhand have a rich cultural heritage that reflects their deep connection with nature, land, and traditional practices. Their culture is a blend of folk music, dance, oral traditions, and rituals passed down through generations.

• Language and Literature: Kudmis and other Mulbasi communities primarily speak languages such as Kudmali, Nagpuri, and Hindi. 
• The language spoken by the Kudmi community is called Kudmali or Kurmali, which is classified as an Indo-Aryan language belonging to the Bihari group, primarily spoken in eastern India, particularly in the regions bordering Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal;. 
  Key points about Kudmali language and literature:
  • Linguistic classification:

    Considered a Bihari language, sharing similarities with Maithili and Magahi. 
  • Speakers:

    Primarily spoken by the Kudmi community, also known as Kurmi Mahato. 
  • Script:

    While not standardized, sometimes written using a modified Devanagari script called "Kurmi Kudali". 
  • Origin:

    Believed to have evolved from a distinct language spoken by the early Kudmi settlers in the Manbhum region of Jharkhand. 
• Folk tales, songs, and proverbs form an integral part of their oral traditions.
• Social Structure: These communities follow a well-defined social hierarchy, with village elders and community leaders playing a significant role in decision-making and conflict resolution.
• Marriage and Family: Traditional marriage ceremonies are conducted with age-old customs, including songs, rituals, and feasting. Joint family systems are still prevalent in many communities.

9.3 Art and Craft

Mulbasi communities of Jharkhand are known for their unique artistic expressions, including:

• Terracotta and Pottery: Traditional pottery and terracotta works are crafted with intricate designs and used in religious and daily household activities.
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• Weaving and Handicrafts: Handwoven textiles, including traditional Gamcha and shawls, are a significant part of their craftsmanship.
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• Woodwork and Metalwork: Artisans create wooden carvings, agricultural tools, and iron ornaments, reflecting their rich artistic heritage.
• Folk Music and Dance: Jhumar, Paika, and Domkach are some of the popular folk dances, accompanied by instruments like Mandar, Dhol, and Nagara.

9.4 Festivals and Celebrations

Festivals play a crucial role in the lives of Mulbasi communities, marking seasonal changes, religious observances, and community bonding. Some notable festivals include:

• Karma Festival: Celebrated with great enthusiasm, this festival involves prayers for a good harvest, singing, and dancing around the Karma tree.
• Sarhul: A nature-worship festival celebrated in spring, signifying the importance of trees and the environment.
• Tusu Parab: A harvest festival where young women sing Tusu songs and float decorated idols in rivers.
• Mage Parab: Celebrated by the Kudmi community, it marks the new agricultural cycle and involves various traditional rituals.
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9.5 Professions and Economic Activities

Traditionally, Mulbasi communities have been engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and artisanal crafts. Over the years, they have diversified into various professions:

• Agriculture: The primary occupation, involving the cultivation of rice, millets, pulses, and vegetables.
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• Fishing and Dairy Farming: Many families depend on fish farming and dairy production as a source of livelihood.
• Handicrafts and Cottage Industries: Traditional artisans produce bamboo products, terracotta items, and handmade jewelry.
• Employment in Industries: With industrialization, many community members have taken up jobs in mines, factories, and government services.

9.6 Living Lifestyle

The lifestyle of Mulbasi communities reflects their close relationship with nature and sustainable living practices.

• Traditional Houses: They live in mud houses with thatched or tiled roofs, designed to withstand the region’s climate.
• Food Habits: Their diet consists of rice, pulses, leafy vegetables, and local delicacies like Handia (fermented rice beer), Mahua Rus and Dhuska (fried rice pancake). 
• Some most notable things to mention are New cloth in tusu, Aghira fire before bath at tusu day, full house cleaning and colouring in Bandna parab.
• Dhengani visit by artist of village to every house of the village, a way to mix, have traditional food like khapra pitha and gud pitha with local drinks.
• Attire: Traditional clothing includes Dhoti, Gamcha for men, and Sarees for women, often in vibrant colors and patterns.

9.7 Community Development Initiatives

In recent years, several initiatives have been undertaken to uplift Mulbasi communities in Jharkhand:

• Educational Programs: Government and NGOs are promoting literacy and higher education among the youth.
• Skill Development Training: Various programs focus on enhancing traditional skills and introducing modern techniques for employment generation.
• Agricultural Reforms: Improved irrigation, organic farming, and subsidies are helping farmers increase productivity.
• Women Empowerment Schemes: Self-help groups (SHGs) are supporting women in entrepreneurship and financial independence.
• Healthcare and Sanitation: Efforts are being made to improve healthcare access, sanitation facilities, and awareness on hygiene.

9.8 Conclusion

The Mulbasi communities of Jharkhand, including the Kudmi and others, have a rich cultural and social heritage that continues to thrive despite modernization. 

1. Their contributions to agriculture, art, and traditional practices remain an integral part of Jharkhand's identity.

2. With the right support and development initiatives, these communities can further prosper while preserving their unique heritage.

3. Kudmali language is rich and if nurtured it can be an effective medium of communication with the mulbasi communities.

References

1. Pinch; R., William (1996). Peasants and monks in British India. Berkeley : University of California Press. p. 89. A striking feature of these peasant based social movements in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is the quality of their leadership.
2. W.G., Lacey (1933). "Some Aspects Of The Census Operations Of 1931". archive.org. p. 126. Retrieved 10 April 2024. 
3. W.G., Lacey (1933). "Some Aspects Of The Census Operations Of 1931". archive.org. p. 124. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
4. Singh, Ronit Kumar (2022-09-22). "Kurmi Community Continues 'Rail Roko' Protest Over Demand For ST Status, Train Services Affected". thelogicalindian.com. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
5. Bera, Gautam Kumar (2008). The Unrest Axle: Ethno-social Movements in Eastern India. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-8324-145-8.
6. Singh, Kumar Suresh (2008). People of India: (pts. 1-2) Bihar, including Jharkhand. Anthropological Survey of India. ISBN 978-81-7046-303-0.
7. Māhāta, Paśupati Prasāda (2000). Sanskritization Vs Nirbakization. Sujan Publications. ISBN 978-81-85549-29-3.
8. www.google.com/images

Here are some other references about the Kudmi caste in Jharkhand:

• The Tribes and Castes of Bengal (1891)

  By Herbert Hope Risley, this book describes the Kudmi as a Dravidian tribe 
• Government of Jharkhand recommendation

  In 2004, the Jharkhand government recommended that the Kudmi be listed as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) 
• Tribal Research Institute of India recommendation

  In 2015, the Tribal Research Institute of India recommended against the Jharkhand government's proposal 
• The Mooknayak

  This publication has reported on the Kudmi-Mahato community's demand for ST inclusion