Conventional Manki-Munda System Stares into Modernity

The Manki-Munda system is a centuries old system of governance of Ho tribe in the Kolhan region of Jharkhand and has found itself in the limelight, in the wake of protest in West Singhbhum district. The trouble was due to the rumours of ousting of the traditional village heads, referred to as Mundas, which brought about fears that the state would interfere with tribal self-rule. Although the government officials made it clear that these leaders will still have a role to play in governing the people, the incident once again illustrates the intricate nature of the process of safeguarding the natives within a democratic system.

History and Organization of the System.

The Munda is the hereditary leader of the village, where he would solve local disputes and protect the traditions of the village. The Manki presides over a group of villages, above which, he adjudicates appeals not limited to a particular village. In the past, this system operated without any outside sovereign power until the introduction of the British colonial rule.

Colonial Disruption and The Rules of Wilkinson.

The East India Company came to the land in the 18 th century and this interfered with the independence of the Ho tribe because it started to pay taxes to the land and also provided new sources of revenue. The high taxation with Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 brought alienation of land and was the cause of rebellions like Ho revolt (1821-22) and the Kol revolt (183132). In order to ensure control, Captain Thomas Wilkinson institutionalised tribal governance with the Wilkinson Rules 1833 which incorporated the Manki-Munda system into the colonial government. Although this maintained some level of tribal autonomy, it also established the groundwork of demographic changes and changed land relations.

Post-Independence Continuity

Since 1947 the Kolhan Government Estate was abolished, although the Rules of Wilkinson still directed the government. Their validity was supported by Indian courts until 2000 when they became customary law. Most recently, the Jharkhand government identified the Nyaya Panch, a form of traditional court, as part of the legal system in 2021, which reestablishes the place of indigenous systems in the state.

Modern Problems and Reform Demands.

The most recent demonstrations are indicative of even greater issues regarding the equilibrium of custom and responsibility. The younger generation of the Ho people claim that any leadership that is hereditary ought to be replaced by the elected or the based on merit positions since not all the old leaders have the educational qualifications to run the activities of contemporary administration. Although there has been the introduction of assistant positions to fill the gaps, there have been calls to the reform in order to modernise the Manki-Munda system without destroying the cultural aspect.

The discussion throws emphasis on the pressing need to balance the tradition and democracy so that the tribal government can be pertinent and productive in the 21 st century.