Bhumiputra: Who Are They?

 

The term Bhumiputra, derived from the Sanskrit words 'bhumi' (land) and 'putra' (son), can be interpreted as "sons of the land" or natives of a specific region. However, not all the inhabitants of Earth are universally referred to as Bhumiputra. In various contexts, this designation is reserved for specific indigenous or ethnic groups, especially those deeply rooted in particular regions.

In the context of Bangladesh, the question of who qualifies as Bhumiputra often arises in relation to ethnic minorities. This article explores the relevance of this term in Bangladesh and discusses the complexities of recognizing indigenous status within the nation.

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Ethnic Minorities in Bangladesh: Who Are They?

Bangladesh is home to various ethnic minorities, many of whom live in both hilly and plain regions. These groups, such as the Santal, Oraon, and others, have their own distinct languages, cultures, and traditions. Historically, they were referred to as "tribes" in Bangladesh’s textbooks and constitution, though the term has since evolved to "small ethnic groups."

Some intellectuals and political activists advocate for these groups to be recognized constitutionally as "tribal" or "indigenous" people, claiming they are the Bhumiputra of the land. However, this raises questions about the identity and recognition of the majority population of Bangladesh. If ethnic minorities are designated as indigenous, how should the larger population be classified? Did they, too, not originate from this land? These questions often lead to debates and complexities, obscuring the core issue of indigenous recognition.

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Case Study: Santal Conflict in Gobindganj

A significant event that brought attention to the Santal community's struggle was the Santal-Police Clash in Gobindganj on November 6, 2016. A violent confrontation occurred between the Santals and law enforcement when sugar mill workers attempted to cut sugarcane in Rangpur Sugar Mill land. The result: 20 people injured, police using tear gas and rubber bullets, and three Santals killed. This led to widespread activism, human chains, and protests across the country demanding the return of Santal land.

As the protests grew, social media and news outlets began to label the Santals as Bhumiputra or Adivasi, reigniting the debate about their land rights and identity. While many sympathized with the Santals' plight, others, like the author of this article, questioned the broader implications of such labels.

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The Debate: Who Are the True Bhumiputra of Bangladesh?

The heart of the debate lies in the question: Are the Santals and other ethnic minorities the original inhabitants of this land, or do they share that status with the majority Bengali population?

1. Historical Perspective on the Santals:
   Historian Bhaskar Chowdhury, in his novel Dhansa Mati O Tar Jeeban Briksha, traces the Santal migration to North Bengal after their rebellion in 1855. They are believed to have arrived in the region as landless peasants and Adhyars (sharecroppers), clearing forests to create arable land. This challenges the notion that they have been in the region since time immemorial. According to this narrative, they arrived in northern Bengal after 1861, and many left during the Great Famine and the partition of India in 1947.

2. Are the Santals Indigenous to Bangladesh?
   Ethnic Santals, who are spread across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, belong to the Austroasiatic language family, similar to groups from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Southern China. Their migration to the region suggests they are not the ancient inhabitants of Bengal, although their long-term settlement does give them strong roots in the area.

3. Who Were the Original Inhabitants of Bengal?
   Scholars like Rameshchandra Majumdar suggest that many ethnic groups lived in Bengal long before the Vedic Aryans. These include the Kol, Shabar, Pulinda, and other tribes, who were possibly ancestors of modern ethnic minorities. However, the majority of the Bengali population likely descended from various races that arrived during different waves of migration and conquest, from the Dravidians to Aryans, making it difficult to pinpoint any one group as the original Bhumiputra.

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The Social Divide: Foresters vs. Civilized Communities

Bengal's history reflects two major classes of people:

1. Vanachari (Foresters): This group, including the Santals and other hunter-gatherer communities, remained distanced from mainstream civilization. Their way of life, focused on hunting and forest survival, aligns with the present-day lifestyles of many ethnic minorities in North Bengal.
2. Householders (Civilized Class): This group, engaged in agriculture, trade, and governance, contributed to the development of Bengali civilization over millennia. They intermingled with other cultures through trade, war, and diplomacy, continually evolving their language, culture, and social practices.

These two groups' contrasting lifestyles have shaped the identity of modern Bengal. The forester groups have retained much of their ancient culture, while the householders have contributed to the development of a more advanced civilization.

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Cultural and Political Influence: Who Shaped Bengal?

While the Santals and other ethnic groups have maintained their cultural practices, their influence on the political history of Bengal is limited. For instance, the Santal rebellion and their involvement in the peasant revolt of Nachol in 1950 are significant but isolated events. The larger political history of Bengal, from the Pala dynasty to the Turkish and Mughal empires, has been shaped by other groups and communities.

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Conclusion: Who Are the Bhumiputra of Bangladesh?

After analyzing historical, cultural, and political contexts, several conclusions can be drawn:

1. Bengal has hosted a diverse array of ethnic groups, both indigenous and migratory, over thousands of years.
2. Ethnic minorities like the Santals arrived in Bengal relatively recently and have maintained distinct cultures and traditions. However, their role in shaping the broader civilization of Bengal is limited.
3. The Bengali majority, although composed of a mixture of various races, has a deep-rooted history in the region, developing its language, culture, and civilization over centuries. This group, too, could be considered Bhumiputra based on their longstanding presence and contribution to the land.

Ultimately, the debate over who is truly Bhumiputra—the indigenous people—depends on one's interpretation of history, migration, and cultural development. While ethnic minorities have legitimate claims to land and recognition, so too does the Bengali majority, whose ancestors also shaped the history and culture of this land.

Written by:
Editor of littlemag AkaalBodhon
Date: January 9, 2017