Description

Laws, Justice and Rights for Women in the Modern Era
Editor: Prof. Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Ishan Ahmad and Premananda Murmu
Published by Universal Academic Books Publishers and Distributors,
New Delhi (India)
ISBN: 978-81-686113-5-1, 2026

Chapter 3

Contemporary Santal Women: Rights and Justice

Premananda Murmu
Assistant Professor and Research Scholar (B.U), Department of History, Chandrapur College, Purba Bardhaman (W.B.)

Abstract

The Santals constitute one of the largest and most culturally vibrant Indigenous communities in India. Traditionally, Santal women have played a vital role in agriculture, household economy, cultural preservation, and community life. Despite their indispensable contributions, they have historically experienced multiple forms of marginalisation, including limited access to education, restricted property rights, inadequate healthcare, economic insecurity, and unequal participation in decision-making processes. Since India’s independence, constitutional safeguards, affirmative action policies, educational expansion, decentralised governance, and various welfare programmes have significantly transformed the socio-economic and political position of Santal women.

In recent decades, increasing educational opportunities, participation in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local self-government institutions, and women’s leadership in community development have strengthened the agency of Santal women. Nevertheless, persistent challenges such as gender discrimination, poverty, human trafficking, land insecurity, domestic violence, and limited access to justice continue to hinder their full empowerment.

This chapter critically examines the changing status of contemporary Santal women by analysing their social, economic, political and legal rights within the broader framework of constitutional democracy and Indigenous justice. Particular emphasis is placed on the experience of Santal women in West Bengal, highlighting both achievements and continuing challenges in the pursuit of equality and social justice.

Keywords

Santal women; Indigenous women; Rights; Justice; Gender equality; Political participation; West Bengal; Tribal development.

1. INTRODUCTION

India is a multicultural, multilingual and multi-ethnic nation where Indigenous communities constitute an integral component of its social fabric. According to the Census of India (2011), Scheduled Tribes account for approximately 8.6 per cent of the country’s total population. Among these communities, the Santals represent one of the largest tribal groups, possessing a rich cultural heritage, distinctive language, and strong social institutions.

The Santal population is primarily concentrated in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Assam, while sizeable communities are also found in Bangladesh and Nepal. Within West Bengal, Santals are predominantly distributed across Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Medinipur and Hooghly districts.