7 Understanding Marginalisation

Here are the notes for CBSE Class 8 Civics Chapter 7 Understanding
Marginalisation. This chapter explain the concept of marginalisation,
which involves the systematic exclusion of certain groups from
mainstream societal benefits and opportunities. By understanding these
dynamics, students can gain insights into the complexities of social
exclusion and the importance of implementing measures to promote
equality and inclusion.

Who Are Adivasis?

Adivasis, also known as tribals, are communities indigenous to India,
traditionally living in close association with forests. The term “Adivasi”
translates to “original inhabitants,” reflecting their long-standing presence
in various regions of the country.

They make up about 8% of India’s population and are concentrated in

states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and the
northeastern states.

India’s Adivasi population is not homogeneous; it consists of over 500

distinct tribal groups, each with unique cultures and practices. Unlike
communities organized by caste or those ruled by kings, Adivasi societies
often exhibit minimal hierarchical structures.

They practice diverse tribal religions, which include the worship of

ancestors, village, and nature spirits. This spiritual practice is deeply
rooted in their environment, involving deities associated with natural
elements like mountains, rivers, and animals.

Adivasi religions have historically interacted with and influenced dominant

religions of surrounding empires. For example, the Jagannath cult of
Odisha and various Shakta and Tantric traditions in Bengal and Assam
reflect this cross-cultural exchange. In the 19th century, many Adivasis
converted to Christianity, which now plays a significant role in their
contemporary religious landscape.

The Adivasi languages, many of which are distinct from mainstream Indian
languages, have contributed to the development of languages like
Bengali. Santhali, one of the major Adivasi languages, boasts a large
number of speakers and a significant body of literature, including
magazines and online publications.
Adivasis and Stereotyping
Adivasis, or tribal communities in India, are often portrayed in
stereotypical and simplistic ways, mainly through their colorful attire,
headgear, and dance forms. This portrayal contributes to a narrow view of
their lives, leading to misconceptions that they are exotic, primitive, and
backward. Such stereotypes obscure the rich and diverse realities of
Adivasi life and fail to acknowledge their complex social, cultural, and
historical backgrounds.

Adivasis and Development

Historically, Adivasis lived in close association with the vast forested
regions of India. Up until the 19th century, they had significant control
over these lands and were not governed by large states or empires.

They were traditionally hunter-gatherers and practiced shifting

agriculture. However, over the past 200 years, economic changes, forest
policies, and political pressures have drastically altered their way of life.

The industrial and colonial expansion led to the forced migration of

Adivasis from their traditional lands to work in plantations, construction
sites, and industries.

For instance, large numbers of Adivasis from Jharkhand and neighboring

areas were relocated to various plantations across India and even to other
countries. Their labor was crucial for industries such as tea in Assam.
Unfortunately, this migration often came at a great human cost, including
significant loss of life.

The development projects that cleared forests for timber and industrial
use have further displaced Adivasis from their ancestral lands. Mining
projects and the construction of large dams have resulted in the
displacement of many Adivasi communities.

Official figures reveal that over 50% of those displaced due to mining are
tribals, and in some states, such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha,
and Jharkhand, the percentage is as high as 79%. The establishment of
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which were once Adivasi lands,
has also led to their eviction.

Today, Adivasis face severe challenges, including poverty, low literacy

rates, and malnutrition. Displacement has led to the loss of not only their
source of income but also their traditions, customs, and ways of life. The
interconnectedness of their economic and social dimensions means that
destruction in one sphere often impacts the other, making the process of
dispossession and displacement particularly painful and violent.

Minorities and Marginalisation

The Indian Constitution includes specific safeguards for religious and
linguistic minorities to ensure their protection and inclusion within the
larger societal framework.

These provisions address more than mere numerical representation; they

tackle deeper issues of power dynamics, access to resources, and cultural
expression. In a society where the majority culture often dominates,
minority communities can experience marginalisation due to their smaller
numbers and distinct cultural practices.

These safeguards are designed to protect minority communities from

cultural domination, discrimination, and disadvantage, ensuring that their
unique identities and rights are preserved. The Constitution’s commitment
to safeguarding cultural diversity and promoting equality is reinforced by
the judiciary, which plays a crucial role in upholding Fundamental Rights
and addressing grievances through legal recourse.

Muslims and Marginalisation

Muslims, constituting 14.2% of India’s population according to the 2011
Census, are considered a marginalised community due to their socio-
economic and educational disadvantages. Despite various development
efforts, Muslims have lagged behind in several indicators, prompting the
establishment of the Sachar Committee in 2005, led by Justice Rajindar
Sachar.

This committee investigated the status of Muslims and found that their
conditions were comparable to those of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes. The marginalisation faced by Muslims is compounded by social
factors, such as distinct customs and practices that sometimes lead to
discrimination and unfair treatment.

This has resulted in social segregation and, in some cases, violence.

Addressing marginalisation requires a multi-faceted approach involving
legal safeguards, social reforms, and inclusive policies to protect the
diversity and promote equality, reflecting the core values enshrined in the
Constitution.
……………………………….END……………………………

1. Who are Adivasis?==

Adivasis are the communities who lived, and often continue to

live, in close association with forests.

2. How many different Adivasi groups are there in India?===

There are over 500 different Adivasi groups in India.

3. How are Adivasi societies most distinctive? Give one point.==

There is often very little hierarchy among them.

4. How is Niyamgiri viewed by Dongarria Konds?==

Dongarria Konds, an Adivasi community, view Niyamgiri as the

sacred mountain.

5. What do we usually think about Adivasis?==

We usually think that Adivasis are exotic, primitive and backward.

6. Which factor leads to ghettoisation of the Muslim community?

==

Social marginalisation of Muslims leads to ghettoisation of this

community.

7. Name any four states where Adivasis are in great

numbers.===

Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.

8. How are Muslims usually identified?===

Muslims are usually identified by their burqa, long beard and fez.

9. Why are Muslims considered as a marginalised community in

India today?=

It is because in comparison to other communities, they have

always been deprived of the benefits of socioeconomic
development.

10. What is commonly believed about the Muslims?==

It is commonly believed that the Muslims prefer to send their

children to Madarsas.

11. Define the term 'minority'====

The term ‘minority’ is the most commonly used to refer to the

communities that are numerically smaller in relation to the rest of
the population.

12. What reality is brought in light by the Sachar Committee?==

Only 4% of Muslim children are in Madarsas, whereas 66% attend

government school and 30% private schools.

13. Name some metals that are important in present day

India.====

Iron, copper, gold, silver, aluminium , platinum , uranium and

zinc.
14. How are Adivasis usually portrayed?==
They are usually portrayed in Stereotypical ways in colourful
clothes, headgear and through their dancing.

1. How are Adivasi stereotyped?==

Whenever we talk about Adivasis, their fixed images come into

our mind. We have a fixed impression about them. We believe
that they are exotic, primitive and backward. Their colourful
costumes, headgear, dancing and typical life style often give an
impression that they lack advancement. We also believe that they
are resistant to change or new ideas. This stereotyping about the
Adivasi community leads to their discrimination and
marginalisation.

2. How were Adivasis marginalised?===

Adivasis feel marginalised due to their poor and low social status.
This sense of difference and exclusion leads to communities not
having access to resources and opportunities, and in their
inability to assert their rights.

3. What do you know about Adivasis?

The term Adivasi means original inhabitant. This community has
close relation with forests. They depend on forests for everything.
They cannot think a life without forests. About 8% of India’s
population is Adivasi. Adivasis are found in states like
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra,
Assam, Manipur etc. There are over 500 different Adivasi groups
in our country. Only in Orissa there are more than 60 different
tribal groups. Adivasi societies are also most distinctive because
there is often very little hierarchy among them. They practise
their own tribal religions, different from Islam, Hinduism and
Christianity. They have their own languages, which are as old as
Sanskrit. Santhali is one of the languages which has the largest
numbers of speakers.
4. What happened to Adivasis when they lost access to their
traditional homelands?
After Adivasis lost access to their traditional homelands, i.e.
forests, they became pampers. They faced the problems of
livelihood and food. Hence, they migrated to cities in search of
work. They got employment there but against very low wages.
This made their life miserable. They caught in a cycle of poverty
and deprivation 45% of tribal groups in rural areas and 35% in
urban areas live below the poverty line. Their children, became
malnourished in dearth of adequate food.
5. Why are Muslims considered to be a marginalised community
in India?====
Muslims are considered to be a marginalised community in India
because in comparison to other communities, they have always
been deprived of the benefits of socioeconomic development.
Most of the Muslims do not avail even basic amenities of life such
as water and electricity. They live in kutcha houses. They have
little access to education and public employment. Thus, they
always lag behind in terms of various development indicators.
1. Define the term minority. Why do people belonging to this
community need safeguards?==
The term ‘minority’ is most commonly used to refer to
communities that are numerically small in relation to the rest of
the population. The Indian Constitution recognised that the
culture of the majority influences the way in which society and
government might express themselves. In such cases, size can be
a disadvantage and lead to the marginalisation of the relatively
smaller communities. Thus, safeguards are needed to protect
minority communities against the possibility of being culturally
dominated by the majority. They also protect them against any
discrimination and disadvantage that they may face.