Aligarh: The Centre of Advanced Study in the Department of History at Aligarh Muslim University organized a book exhibition and lectures on the ‘Role of Tribal Communities in the Indian National Movement’, marking the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, which denotes commemoration of the contributions of tribal communities to India's freedom struggle and honouring of the legacy of Birsa Munda, a significant tribal leader and freedom fighter.

Prof Naseem Ahmad, Nodal Officer for celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas at AMU, inaugurated the book exhibition in the audio-visual room of the department, which showcased the books highlighting the tribal history, tribal art and the role of tribal communities in the Indian National Movement.

Later, presenting a keynote address, Prof Hasan Imam, Chairman, the Department of History, focused on the critical role of tribal communities in resisting British colonial rule. He pointed out the marginalized position of tribal histories in mainstream narratives, which traditionally centred on elite leaders.

Imam emphasized the importance of subaltern historiography in bringing to light the ‘history from below’, referencing his research, which uncovered valuable archival materials on tribal resistance movements.

Citing examples of uprisings led by various tribes, including the Mundas, Santhals and Khasis, Prof Imam discussed the socio-economic and cultural disruptions caused by British policies such as land acquisition and resource exploitation. He elaborated on the leadership of Birsa Munda, who galvanized tribal resistance in Chota Nagpur and became a symbol of Indigenous pride and resilience.

Prof Parwez Nazir, who is known for his work on the Indian National Movement, delivered an engaging lecture on the historical and contemporary significance of tribal resistance. He contextualized tribal struggles within the broader framework of marginalized communities, drawing on Ranajit Guha's seminal work on subaltern historiography.

He traced the trajectory of Birsa Munda's activism, from his initial education under Christian missionaries to his leadership of the Ulgulan i.e. The Great Rebellion, and highlighted the socio-cultural disruptions faced by tribes due to British economic policies. He also discussed how Birsa Munda's legacy transcended his lifetime, with his birth anniversary celebrated nationally as the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Prof M Waseem Raja provided a global perspective on tribal histories, linking the struggles of Indian tribes with those of indigenous communities worldwide, such as the Maori in New Zealand and tribes in the Amazon. He emphasized the themes of land, water, and forest (jal, jameen, jungle), which remain central to tribal resistance movements.

He highlighted the need for anthropological and interdisciplinary approaches to tribal studies, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary socio-political challenges.

Earlier, welcoming the speakers, the convener of the programme, Dr Nazrul Bari emphasized the significance of engaging with this important yet often overlooked aspect of history.

Dr Sana Aziz extended a vote of thanks.