Marginalization involves being pushed to the periphery of society, away from the central mainstream. This exclusion can occur for various reasons, such as speaking different languages, practicing different customs, belonging to minority religious groups, facing economic hardship, being perceived as socially inferior, or being dehumanized.

Chapter 5 of CBSE Class 8 Civics delves into these concepts to provide students with a comprehensive understanding. For effective revision, students can refer to CBSE Notes Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 – Understanding Marginalization.

Marginalized groups often face hostility and discrimination, leading to their limited access to resources and opportunities and an inability to assert their rights. Consequently, they experience a sense of disadvantage and powerlessness compared to more privileged sections of society, who possess wealth, education, and political influence. Marginalization is not confined to a single domain; rather, it encompasses economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions, all working together to marginalize certain groups within society.

Understanding Marginalisation

Who Are Adivasis?

Adivasis, also known as tribals, are communities often referred to as the “original inhabitants,” as they have historically lived near forests. They constitute approximately 8% of India’s population and inhabit regions such as Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Bokaro, and Bhilai, where many mining and industrial centers are located.

Adivasi communities are diverse, comprising over 500 distinct groups across India, with significant populations in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, as well as northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. In Odisha alone, there are approximately 60 different tribal groups.

Adivasi societies are characterized by minimal hierarchy, distinguishing them from caste-based or monarch-ruled communities.

Adivasis follow various tribal religions distinct from Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity, including worship of ancestors, village spirits, and nature spirits associated with different landscape features such as mountains, rivers, and animals. Village spirits are revered in sacred groves within the village, while ancestral spirits are worshiped at home.

Adivasi religious practices have been influenced by surrounding religions like Shakta, Buddhist, Vaishnav, Bhakti, and Christianity. Additionally, Adivasi religions have influenced dominant religions in neighboring empires, such as the Jagannath cult in Odisha and Shakti and Tantric traditions in Bengal and Assam.

During the 19th century, a significant number of Adivasis converted to Christianity, which has become a prominent religion in modern Adivasi history.

Adivasis also speak their own languages, many of which are distinct from and possibly as ancient as Sanskrit, and have significantly influenced the development of mainstream Indian languages like Bengali.

Santhali, with the largest number of speakers, has a rich literary tradition, including publications in magazines and online platforms.

Adivasis and Stereotyping

Adivasis are often depicted in stereotypical portrayals, characterized by their vibrant attire, distinctive headgear, and traditional dances.

However, beyond these superficial representations, there is a lack of understanding regarding the realities of their lives. This misconception has led to the erroneous belief that Adivasis are exotic, primitive, and socially backward.

Adivasis and Development

Historically, forests encompassed a significant portion of India’s landscape until the 19th century. Adivasis possessed deep knowledge of, access to, and control over vast forested areas, at least until the mid-19th century.

Unlike being ruled by large states or empires, Adivasis often played pivotal roles in providing crucial access to forest resources for these entities.

In the pre-colonial era, Adivasis predominantly pursued a lifestyle characterized by hunting, gathering, nomadism, and shifting agriculture.

However, over the past two centuries, various factors such as economic changes, forest policies, and political pressures from both the State and private industries have compelled Adivasis to transition into roles as plantation workers, construction laborers, industrial workers, and domestic helpers. Consequently, they have experienced a significant loss of control and direct access to forest territories for the first time in history.

Starting from the 1830s, Adivasis from regions like Jharkhand began migrating in large numbers to work in plantations both within India and abroad, including destinations like Mauritius, the Caribbean, and Australia.

The labor of Adivasis was instrumental in establishing India’s tea industry, particularly in Assam, where there are approximately 70 lakh Adivasis today.

However, these migrations have also resulted in substantial human losses, with an estimated 5 lakh Adivasis perishing during the 19th century alone.

Forest areas have been cleared for timber extraction and to make way for agricultural and industrial purposes. Adivasi communities, residing in regions abundant in minerals and natural resources, have seen their lands seized for mining operations and other large-scale industrial projects. Powerful entities collude to forcibly acquire tribal land, often bypassing proper legal procedures.

Official data indicates that more than half of the individuals displaced by mining activities are tribal people. Recent surveys conducted by organizations working with Adivasi communities reveal that 79% of those displaced in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand are tribals.

Additionally, vast swathes of their land have been submerged due to the construction of numerous dams across independent India.

In the Northeastern region, Adivasi territories remain heavily militarized. India boasts 104 national parks covering 40,501 square kilometers and 543 wildlife sanctuaries covering 118,918 square kilometers. Many of these areas were originally inhabited by tribals who were subsequently displaced. Those who continue to reside in these forests are often labeled as encroachers.

Losing their lands and access to forests means Adivasis forfeit their primary sources of livelihood and sustenance. Consequently, many have migrated to urban centers in search of employment, where they often find themselves engaged in low-wage labor in local industries or construction sites.

Adivasis find themselves ensnared in cycles of poverty and deprivation, with 45% of rural tribal groups and 35% of urban tribes living below the poverty line. This leads to further deprivation in areas such as malnutrition and low literacy rates.

Displacement from their ancestral lands results in Adivasis not only losing a source of income but also their cultural traditions and way of life. As evident, there is an intricate interconnection between the economic and social facets of tribal existence.

Disruptions in one aspect invariably affect the other, often accompanied by painful and violent processes of dispossession and displacement.

Minorities and Marginalisation

The Constitution includes provisions to safeguard the rights of religious and linguistic minorities as part of our Fundamental Rights. But why are these safeguards necessary for minority groups? A minority group typically refers to communities that are smaller in numbers compared to the larger population.

However, this concept extends beyond mere numerical figures and encompasses issues related to power dynamics, access to resources, and various social and cultural dimensions.

The dominant culture of the majority often shapes societal norms and governmental practices. Being in the numerical minority can put smaller communities at a disadvantage, leading to their marginalisation. Therefore, safeguards are essential to protect minority communities from cultural domination by the majority, as well as from any discrimination or disadvantage they may face.

Communities with fewer numbers relative to the broader society may feel insecure about their livelihoods, possessions, and overall well-being, especially if their interactions with the majority community are strained.

The Constitution includes these safeguards because it is committed to preserving India’s rich cultural diversity and promoting principles of equality and justice. The judiciary plays a pivotal role in upholding the law and enforcing Fundamental Rights.

Every Indian citizen has the right to approach the courts if they believe their Fundamental Rights have been violated, thereby ensuring that the safeguards provided to minority communities are upheld and respected.

Muslims and Marginalisation

With 14.2% of the Indian population according to the 2011 Census, Muslims are viewed as a marginalised community due to their historical exclusion from the benefits of socio-economic development. Over the years, Muslims have lagged behind in various development indicators, prompting the government to establish a high-level committee in 2005, chaired by Justice Rajindar Sachar.

Tasked with examining the social, economic, and educational status of the Muslim community in India, the committee’s report shed light on the extensive marginalisation experienced by this community. It revealed that across a spectrum of social, economic, and educational parameters, the situation of the Muslim community is comparable to that of other marginalised communities, such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The economic and social marginalisation faced by Muslims encompasses additional dimensions. Apart from being numerically marginalised, Muslims also exhibit distinct customs and practices that set them apart from what is perceived as the mainstream. For instance, some may choose to wear a burqa, sport a long beard, or don a fez, which can lead to their easy identification as Muslims.

Consequently, they may be viewed differently from the broader society, often subjecting them to unfair treatment and discrimination. This social marginalisation has compelled many Muslims to migrate from their original places of residence, contributing to the ghettoisation of the community. In extreme cases, this prejudice can escalate into acts of hatred and violence against Muslims.

Addressing marginalisation is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a range of strategies, measures, and safeguards. It underscores the collective responsibility of society to protect the rights enshrined in the Constitution and uphold the laws and policies aimed at realising these rights.

Without such efforts, the rich diversity that defines our country will remain vulnerable, and the State’s commitment to promoting equality for all will remain unfulfilled.

Chapter 5: Understanding Marginalisation- FAQs

Who Are Adivasis?

Adivasis, also known as tribals, are indigenous communities in India, comprising approximately 8% of the population. They traditionally inhabit forested regions and maintain distinct languages, cultures, and lifestyles. Despite their diversity, Adivasis often share common challenges related to land rights, socio-economic development, and cultural preservation.

Why Do Adivasis Face Stereotyping?

Adivasis frequently encounter stereotyping due to oversimplified portrayals that emphasize their exoticism and cultural practices. These representations overlook the complexities of Adivasi cultures and histories, contributing to misunderstandings and reinforcing marginalization. Stereotypes often fail to acknowledge the diverse contributions and resilience of Adivasi communities.

What Challenges Do Adivasis Encounter in Development?

Development processes in India have often marginalized Adivasis, leading to displacement, loss of land, and economic exploitation. Industrialization and urbanization have disrupted traditional livelihoods, forcing many Adivasis into poverty and migration. Discrimination and lack of access to resources exacerbate their socio-economic challenges, particularly in urban areas.

How Are Minorities Marginalized in India?

Minority groups in India, whether defined by religion or language, often face marginalization due to their smaller numerical representation and cultural differences. The dominant culture of the majority population can lead to cultural domination and discrimination against minorities. Safeguards enshrined in the Constitution aim to protect the rights of minority communities and promote equality.

Why Are Muslims Considered a Marginalized Community?

Muslims constitute a significant minority in India, comprising about 14.2% of the population. Despite their numerical presence, many Muslims lag behind in socio-economic development indicators due to historical marginalization and discrimination. Prejudice and discrimination based on religious identity contribute to their marginalization, impacting various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and social inclusion.