KURMIS

23.09.2025

KURMIS

Context

The Kurmi community in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha has revived its agitation demanding recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) and the inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

About Kurmis

Who They Are:

• The Kurmi/Kudmi community is a historically agrarian and peasant group, currently classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in most states.
   
• Their demands include ST status and formal recognition of their Sarna (nature-worshipping) faith.
   

Regions of Settlement:

• West Bengal: Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia (Junglemahal region).
   
• Jharkhand: Palamu, Kolhan, North and South Chotanagpur divisions.
   
• Odisha: Mayurbhanj and adjoining districts.
   
• Bihar: Purnia, Katihar, Araria districts (Kurmis as OBCs).
   

Historical Background

• 1931 Census: Classified Kurmis as “Scheduled Tribes.”
   
• Post-Independence (1950): Excluded from the ST list without formal notification.
   
• Freedom Struggle: Significant role in uprisings like Chuar Rebellion, Indigo Rebellion, Santhal Uprising, and Quit India Movement (leaders like Raghunath Mahato and Gopal Mahato).
   
• British Recognition: Gazette notifications (1913 & 1931) identified them as a “Notified Tribe,” acknowledging distinct inheritance and customary practices.
   

Key Features of the Community

• Agrarian Base: Traditionally cultivators and land-clearers, often referred to as skilled market gardeners.
   
• Religious Beliefs: Practice Sarna, a faith rooted in nature worship, hills, groves, and trees, projecting cultural continuity with tribal traditions.
   
• Totemic Practices: Use clan-based totems and rituals linking them to tribal identity.
   
• Distinct Identity:
   
  • Reject association with Kshatriya Kurmis of North India.
     
  • Claim Dravidian/tribal roots instead of mainstream caste lineage.
     

Present Status

• Classified as OBCs under laws like the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, 1908.
   
• Actively demanding:
   
  • Re-inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.
     
  • Recognition of Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
     
  • Codification of Sarna religion for cultural and religious identity.
     

Conclusion

The Kurmi community’s long-standing demand for ST status reflects their assertion of a distinct cultural, historical, and tribal identity. Recognition of their language and religion, along with policy reclassification, will have major implications for their political representation, social mobility, and welfare entitlements, making it a significant issue in the tribal politics of eastern India.