Manki-Munda system

Why in news?

Recently, the adivasis from the Ho tribe staged a protest in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, for interfering with their Manki-Munda system -  traditional self-governance system.

• The Manki-Munda system - This is an age-old system of self-governance among Jharkhand’s Ho adivasi community, has been a central feature of the state’s administrative apparatus, since British times.
• The Ho tribe of Jharkhand’s Kolhan region lived under their traditional, decentralised system of governance.
• Munda - The Munda, or the head of the village, was responsible for resolving socio-political disputes at the village level.
• Each village had one Munda, appointed hereditarily.
• Manki - The Manki headed the pir, which generally consists of 8 to 15 villages.
• If cases were not resolved by the Munda, they moved upwards to the Manki.
• The Manki and Munda had no responsibilities for revenue or land-related issues.
• The system was purely an internal, self-governing mechanism, with no sovereign authority outside or the concept of paying taxes.
• Arrival of the British –
  • In 1793, due to Permanent Settlement Act, in Kolhan, the zamindars began actively seizing Ho lands to bring them under direct control.
  • This system would eventually trigger a number of early-19th century adivasi revolts, such as the Ho revolt (1821-22) and the Kol revolt (1831-32).
  • The British decided to arrive at a compromise by recognising and co-opting the Manki-Munda system.
• Wilkinson’s Rules -  
  • Captain Thomas Wilkinson has been formally codified the traditional system of the Ho community or any adivasi community.
  • Impact - Influx of dikkus and the concept of private property and land ownership was introduced, led to the issuance of pattas.
• Current issues with the system -
  • There are number of vacancies for post of Mankis and Mundas.
  • Some roles in the system were assigned to non-tribal raiyats.
  • There is a section of the Ho community, especially the youth, who want reforms to the Manki-Munda system.
  • Removing the hereditary role of the Munda and giving a fair chance to the educated , competent tenants.
  • Many of traditional leaders are not formally educated, making it difficult for them to navigate the modern, document-based administrative system.

Reference

Indian Express | Kolhan’s Manki-Munda system