The Reawakening of Sarna: How Indigenous Identity is Reshaping Indian Politics
Every time Kamle Oraon closes her eyes, she’s transported back to a childhood marked by scarcity. But her memories aren’t just of hunger; they’re of a cultural erosion, a quiet displacement of ancient beliefs. Now, at 50, Oraon is at the forefront of a movement to reclaim those beliefs – a resurgence of the Sarna faith that’s sending ripples through the political landscape of Jharkhand, India, and beyond.
A History Submerged, Now Rising
For centuries, the Adivasi communities of Jharkhand – meaning “land of forests” – practiced Sarna, an animistic religion deeply rooted in nature worship. But the arrival of colonial missionaries in the 19th and 20th centuries, followed by the post-independence efforts of Hindu nationalist organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), led to widespread conversions and a gradual obscuring of traditional Adivasi faiths. The RSS, in particular, actively sought to integrate Adivasis into the Hindu fold, claiming a shared cultural heritage. This resulted in many Adivasis identifying as Hindu or Christian, often losing touch with their ancestral spiritual practices.
The consequences were profound. Beyond the spiritual loss, the lack of formal recognition for Sarna as a distinct religion meant Adivasis were often politically marginalized, their unique concerns overlooked. As Bandhu Tirkey, a Congress Party politician, puts it, “We were silent for far too long.”
The 2026 Census: A Battleground for Identity
The upcoming 2026 census represents a pivotal moment. Sarna adherents are demanding a separate religious category, a formal acknowledgment of their identity. Currently, those who don’t identify with the six officially recognized religions – Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism – are lumped into an “others” category. This isn’t merely a matter of categorization; it’s about political power.
Recent election results in Jharkhand demonstrate the growing influence of the Sarna movement. A December 2024 survey by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies revealed that Adivasis who didn’t identify as Hindu or Christian were a decisive voting bloc, swinging the state elections in favor of the pro-Sarna Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party. This underscores a critical point: recognizing Sarna isn’t just about religious freedom; it’s about shifting the balance of power.
More Than Religion: Land, Ecology, and Women’s Empowerment
The revival of Sarna is inextricably linked to land rights and ecological preservation. Sarna stals – sacred groves centered around trees – are becoming focal points for community gatherings and assertions of ownership over ancestral lands. These spaces, where tree felling is prohibited, represent a direct challenge to development projects that encroach upon Adivasi territories. The 2022 protest in Sitamoli, where Adivasi groups blocked a highway to prevent the construction of a flyover over a Sarna stal, exemplifies this resistance.
But the movement’s impact extends beyond land rights. Radhika Borde, a lecturer at the University of Leeds specializing in indigenous social movements, highlights the empowering role of Sarna for women. Within the rituals of the faith, women often experience states of spiritual possession, allowing them to voice opinions and challenge patriarchal norms in ways previously unavailable. “Sarna gives the women of the house that power,” Borde explains, noting that this dynamic is a significant departure from traditional power structures within both Hinduism and Christianity.
The Wider Implications: Indigenous Movements Globally
The Sarna movement isn’t an isolated phenomenon. It’s part of a broader global trend of indigenous communities reclaiming their cultural identities and asserting their rights. From the Māori in New Zealand to the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest, communities worldwide are fighting to protect their traditions, lands, and self-determination. Cultural Survival, a non-profit organization, provides valuable resources and support for these movements.
The Future of Sarna: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the momentum, the Sarna movement faces significant challenges. Resistance from Hindu and Christian groups, who fear losing political ground, is likely to intensify. The RSS continues its efforts to “reconvert” Adivasis to Hinduism, while some Christian leaders express concern about the potential fragmentation of their congregations. Furthermore, the internal diversity within the Adivasi community – with 32 distinct groups – requires careful navigation to ensure a unified front.
However, the growing political awareness and the increasing visibility of the Sarna faith present a unique opportunity. Formal recognition in the 2026 census could unlock access to resources and political representation, empowering Adivasi communities to address long-standing issues of poverty, discrimination, and land alienation. The Sarna movement is not just a religious revival; it’s a powerful assertion of indigenous identity and a testament to the enduring strength of ancestral beliefs.
What role will indigenous movements play in shaping the political landscape of the 21st century? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
