History, Facts, and Documentary Evidence Relating to the Kudmi/Kudmi-Mahato / Mahto Claim for Scheduled-Tribe Status!!
Overview This article examines the historical background, anthropological and administrative facts, and the documentary trail relevant to claims that the Kudmi (also spelled Kurmi/Kudmi-Mahato) community of eastern India should be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) . It presents the evidence that proponents use, the counter-evidence produced by official bodies, and the concrete government documents and scholarly reports that have shaped the issue to date. The goal is to give a clear, source-based account so readers can evaluate whether—and on what grounds—the Kudmi claim meets the legal and constitutional framework for ST inclusion. 1. Who are the Kudmi / Kudmi-Mahato? The Kudmi (Kudmi-Mahato) are an agrarian community concentrated in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and neighbouring areas . Their traditional occupation is agriculture; they observe village-level totemic customs and celebrate festivals such as Bari Puja, Karam and Tusu. Their language is genera...