Adivasi
Also called: Adibasi · Topic: Framing the Indian Constitution · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 4 "Framing the Constitution"
Meaning
"Adivasi" (also spelt "Adibasi") means "original inhabitants". It is the name used for India's tribal peoples. In the Constituent Assembly (1946-49), Jaipal Singh spoke for them. He explained that tribal people were not a minority by numbers but still needed protection. Over many centuries they had been pushed off their land, forests and pastures, and looked down on as "primitive".
Example
Jaipal Singh told the Assembly that his people had been "neglected for the last 6,000 years", and said: "You have got to mix with us. We are willing to mix with you." He did not ask for separate electorates. He asked for reservation of seats in legislatures, so that others would have to hear tribal voices.
Don't confuse with
- Depressed Castes (Dalits): these groups faced untouchability within caste society. The Constitution abolished untouchability and reserved seats for them. Adivasis faced a different problem: they lost their land and were kept apart from mainstream society.
Related concepts
- N.G. Ranga
- Jaipal Singh
- J. Nagappa
- K.J. Khanderkar
- Dakshayani Velayudhan
- Jagjivan Ram
- Hansa Mehta
- Abolition of untouchability
- Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes