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Adivasi meaning in English |
Adivasi Meaning and Origin
The term Adivasi (pronounced ah-dee-vah-see) is a collective term used to refer to the indigenous peoples of India. Adivasi is a combination of the words Adi, meaning "original" or "first", and Vasi, meaning "inhabitant" or "resident". Adivasi is the Hindi translation of the word Aboriginal which is used for - “Those residents of a geographical area who have an old connection with that geographical area. That is, it is said that tribals are the original inhabitants of a country.”
Adivasi meaning in English:
Adivasis are called Tribes in English, whose constitutional name in India is Scheduled Tribes.
In the words of Verrier Elwin, well known to students of anthropology in 1943 – “Tribal India is the real indigenous product of the year in whose presence every man is a foreigner. These are ancient people whose moral rights and claims go back thousands of years.” This tribal concept of Alvin was kept in the Constituent Assembly. He insisted on declaring the tribal area as a 'National Park'.
In the words of Verrier Elwin, well known to students of anthropology in 1943 – “Tribal India is the real indigenous product of the year in whose presence every man is a foreigner. These are ancient people whose moral rights and claims go back thousands of years.” This tribal concept of Alvin was kept in the Constituent Assembly. He insisted on declaring the tribal area as a 'National Park'.
Adivasi in the Constituent Assembly
The biggest problem before the Constituent Assembly was that of naming when the discussion of giving special provisions arose. Among the controversies of this assembly, the names of Thakkar Bapa and Jaipal Singh Munda are especially notable. Thakkar Bapa was a servant of primitive society. They used to call the tribes by Adivasi names. In the Constituent Assembly, Jaipal Singh advocated with great force that the word tribal should be used in place of Scheduled Tribes in the Constitution. As a result of this controversy, the word tribal was not used in the original English form of the Constitution, but the word was adopted in its version. The title of the book published by the Government of India in 1955 is "Adivasi".
Supreme Court's comment on the word Adivasi
The Supreme Court of India in its 2011 Kailas & Others -versus- State of Maharashtra TR Judgment wrote: - “The tribal people (Scheduled Tribes or Adivasis), who are probably the descendants of the original inhabitants of India, but now constitute only about 8% of our total population”
Adivasi in the Indian Constitution
Article 366 (25) of the Constitution of India mentions Scheduled Tribes as those communities which are scheduled as per Article 342 of the Constitution. This article states that only those communities which have been so declared by the President through a preliminary public notification or by a subsequent amendment in an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to be Scheduled Tribes.
Adivasi History, Culture and Religion
Adivasis are a diverse group of people, with over 700 different tribes and communities. They speak a variety of languages and dialects, and practice a range of religions and cultures. Adivasis are found all over India, but they are particularly concentrated in the central and eastern states, as well as in the north-eastern Himalayas.
Adivasis have a rich and complex history, dating back thousands of years. They are the original inhabitants of India, and they have played an important role in the development of Indian culture and society. However, Adivasis have also faced centuries of marginalization and discrimination. They have been displaced from their traditional lands, and they have been denied basic rights and opportunities.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement among Adivasis to assert their rights and to reclaim their identity. Adivasi activists are working to promote Adivasi culture and languages, and to advocate for Adivasi rights in areas such as land, education, and healthcare.
Adivasi Population
Adivasis make up about 8% of India's population, and they are found in all parts of the country. However, they are concentrated in certain regions, such as the central and eastern states of India.
Why is it important to use the term Adivasi?
The term Adivasi is important because it recognizes the unique identity and history of the indigenous peoples of India. It also challenges the dominant Hindu caste system, which has marginalized and discriminated against Adivasis for centuries.
By using the term Adivasi, we can help to raise awareness of the issues facing Adivasis and to promote their rights and well-being.
What are some of the challenges facing Adivasis today?
Adivasis continue to face a number of challenges in India today, including:
- Land displacement: Adivasis are often displaced from their traditional lands by development projects, such as mining, dams, and deforestation.
- Poverty and marginalization: Adivasis are disproportionately represented among the poor and marginalized in India. They have limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- Violence and discrimination: Adivasis are often victims of violence and discrimination from other social groups. They are also targeted by left-wing and right-wing extremist groups.
What can be done to support Adivasis?
There are a number of things that can be done to support Adivasis, including:
- Raising awareness of Adivasi issues: By raising awareness of the issues facing Adivasis, we can help to create a more supportive environment for them.
- Advocating for Adivasi rights: We can advocate for Adivasi rights by supporting Adivasi organizations and by contacting our elected representatives.
- Supporting Adivasi culture and languages: We can support Adivasi culture and languages by learning about them and by promoting them in our communities.
- Donating to Adivasi organizations: We can donate to Adivasi organizations that are working to improve the lives of Adivasis.
FAQ: -
What is the meaning of term Adivasi?
The term Adivasi is a collective term for the indigenous peoples of India. It is derived from the Aboriginal words "adi" (meaning "original" or "beginning") and "vasi" (meaning "dweller" or "resident"). Thus, the term Adivasi literally means "original inhabitant."
Why is it called Adivasi?
The term Adivasi is used to distinguish the indigenous peoples of India from the Indo-Aryans, who migrated to India from Central Asia around 1500 BC. The Adivasis are believed to be the original inhabitants of India, and they have their own unique cultures, languages, and traditions.
What is Adivasi culture?
Adivasi culture is rich and diverse. Adivasi communities have their own unique languages, religions, music, dance, and art forms. Many Adivasi communities also have a strong connection to nature and the environment.
Which caste is Adivasi?
Adivasis are not part of the Hindu caste system. The caste system is a social hierarchy that divides Hindu society into different groups based on their occupation and birth. Adivasis are considered to be outside of the caste system.
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Conclusion
Adivasis are an important part of India's diversity and heritage. By supporting Adivasis, we can help to build a more just and equitable society for everyone.
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