Adivasi Women,Sacred Groves and Religious Practices: Unveiling the Epistemic Injustice in the East-Central Belt of India

Abstract

Sarnas Sthals or Sacred Groves have emerged as a symbol of cultural and religious resurgence during the Jharkhand movement, as Adivasis seeks to enhance their organic religion. ‘Sarna Movement’ gained tremendous popularity among the Adivasis/Tribals in East-Central India, gaining momentum in the last two decades and has rekindled among tribal communities of Jharkhand an interest in their religion, culture, identity, land and language. The movement initiated socio-religious revivalism, which later extended to an appreciation for indigenous practices associated with land and forest. Despite the crucial role of Adivasi women in propagating Sarnaism and active participation in the Sarna Movements at the Parha level, they remain mostly on the sidelines of the larger political and religious movements in the region. They were even prevented from entering the Sarna Sthals (Sacred Groves) for prayers and worship. However, over time, the movement challenged this tradition and recognised the pivotal role played by women as custodians of Sarnaism and strengthened their Adivasi identity.