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Conference 2023: 'Inventing the Human' - University of Melbourne & Online
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Reinventing the Past and Future of Santal : Indigenous tribal community of India

Research Paper (Oral Presentation)
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Research Paper (Oral Presentation)

9:30 am

29 November 2023

Arts West, Forum Theatre

Conversation 1 - Indigenous pasts, presents, and futures

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Abstract Description

Institution: MSCBD University - Odisha, India

The history and existence of Santal in India predate that of the Aryans, Dravidians, and Mongolians. The Santal is the largest homogeneous tribe of India and are proto-Astraloid by origin with an Astro-Asiatic language. The Santal are nomadic people with extensive migration history to different parts of the country. They have inhabited in Central India's dense forests and hills for generations away from mainstream society. The rigid caste system of Indian society and the oppressive colonialism restrained them from any cultural exchange and interaction with civil society. The socio-politico-cultural structure became a major barrier for the community and their culture remained unrecognized, their language remained unknown and the Santali discourse remained unexplored. Due to their close associations with flora and fauna of respective geographical locations, their cultural and linguistic stake remained out from the research domains of the historians and scholars. The history of civilization has not traced the growth and existence of the tribe in comparison to the Aryans and Dravidians. The Santals created a distinctive script called ‘Ol chiki’ in 1925 for their language in order to preserve the region's identity and build the foundations of the community and preserve their language. With the assistance of the organizations, institutions, and individuals behind it in Bihar, West Bengal, and Orissa, Ol-Chiki gradually acquired the form of a movement. Santali literature has been enriched by several authors from a variety of genres, which will continue to establish its significance over time. In order to materialize these efforts, Santal presses have been created in several locations. This paper attempts to analyze the Past and Future of their Culture, Literature, and their place in India as an indigenous tribe. 

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Survival Under Shade: Indian Santal Community Sushree Raj Dr - MSCBD University (Odisha, India)