CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Jenu Kuruba tribe has recently gained attention for their significant move to reclaim their ancestral land within the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in 2025. After being displaced nearly 40 years ago, over 50 families have started rebuilding their homes in the area, marking a powerful assertion of Indigenous rights in India. Their return is deeply rooted in a spiritual bond with the land and a desire to restore their traditional way of life.
Understanding Jenu Kuruba Tribe
The Jenu Kuruba community is recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and primarily resides in the Kodagu and Mysuru regions of Karnataka. The name "Jenu Kuruba" comes from the Kannada word "jenu," meaning honey, reflecting their traditional reliance on honey collection, foraging, and forest-based livelihoods.
They are also known by other regional names like "Then Kurumba" and "Kattu Naikar" and typically live in small settlements known as Hadis. Historically, their survival has depended on the resources of the forest, including hunting, gathering, and small-scale farming.
Social Organization And Leadership
The Jenu Kuruba follow a semi-nomadic lifestyle, largely operating outside formal systems of governance. Their social structure is guided by a community leader known as the "Yajamana" and a spiritual head called the "Gudda," who play critical roles in decision-making. This internal leadership framework manages most community affairs, apart from religious practices.
Cultural Beliefs And Practices
The Jenu Kuruba have a deeply spiritual culture, characterized by a strong connection to nature and supernatural entities. Their rituals, songs, and dances often reflect themes related to agriculture, marriage, folklore, and spiritual traditions. Their belief system emphasizes respect for the forest and its wildlife, which they view as sacred.
Impact Of Historical Evictions
For decades, many Indigenous communities in India have been displaced due to conservation policies that prioritize wildlife protection and tourism over traditional land rights. This approach, known as "Fortress Conservation," has often forced tribal groups like the Jenu Kuruba to abandon their ancestral lands.
Sacred Connections To Land
The Jenu Kuruba's return to their homeland is deeply influenced by their spiritual worldview. They see the forest as a sacred space, inhabited by powerful deities, including tigers, which they hold in high regard. They believe that their displacement disturbed these sacred forces, prompting their recent effort to reclaim their traditional territory.
Community Resilience And Resistance
Despite challenges from forest officials and local authorities, the Jenu Kuruba have shown remarkable resilience in their quest for land rights. Emerging leaders like Shivu have become vocal advocates for their cause, pushing back against conservation policies that exclude Indigenous voices. Their actions symbolize a broader movement for justice and recognition.
Contributions To Conservation
The Jenu Kuruba's traditional practices have proven to be beneficial for forest ecosystems. Studies indicate that regions inhabited by Indigenous communities often have healthier wildlife populations, including tigers. Their return to the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve challenges the assumption that conservation and Indigenous land rights are inherently conflicting goals.
Future Of Indigenous Rights In India
The ongoing struggle of the Jenu Kuruba tribe could set an important precedent for other Indigenous groups in India. As these communities continue to assert their land rights, the government may need to rethink its conservation strategies to balance ecological preservation with human rights. The path forward will require a more inclusive approach that respects both nature and Indigenous cultures.
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