Sarna Dharma

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A separate religion?

Demand in 2024

Jaideep Deogharia, Nov 18, 2024: The Times of India

Tribal identity is very much at the forefront as Jharkhand votes to elect a new govt. BJP has flagged the issue of demographic change in the Santhal Pargana region with the incum bent JMM countering the opposition party with the demand for inclusion of ‘Sarna Dharma’ as a new religion in the next Census to enable a clear enumeration of the tribal population. 


Census Has ‘Codes’ For Major Religions


Major religions in India have each been assigned a unique code for the Census count. Six major religions — Hinduism (Code-1), Islam (Code-2), Christianity (Code-3), Sikhism (Code-4), Buddhism (Code-5), Jainism (Code-6) — have been mentioned in the Census register since the 2001 Census. This allows people to enter the specific code number for the religion they practise while giving their details for the Census exercise. For those who follow a religion different from the ones recognised, or identify as non-believers, there is also the option to check the ‘Others’ category. 


Tribals Say They’re Denied Recognition


Tribal groups argue that they need not be grouped with Hin-

dus or Christians in the Census register and need a separate code so that their population is distinctly recognised. So far, tribals mainly identify themselves as Hindus or Christians (for those who have adopted Christianity) during the Census count. Some tribals also tick the ‘Others’ option. 


‘Sarna’ Different From Other Faiths


The nature-worshipping tribals believe that their religion and culture are different from that of Hindus and Christians and needs to be recognised as such. It’s pointed out that since some govt policies and schemes are planned based on population, it is important for tribals to be recognised as a distinct religious group. Which is why tribal groups in Jharkhand and other states are demanding that a separate ‘Sarna Dharma’ be included in the Census register.


‘Sarna’ is a term in the Kudhukh language spoken by the Oraon, the largest tribal group in Jharkhand. Although some tribal groups like Munda and Santhal had objected to the use of ‘Sarna’ as an overarching term for all the tribes, a consensus was eventually reached accepting its use as long as it fulfilled their demand for a separate religious code. 


JMM Assembly Resolution Backs Claim


The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led state govt steered a resolution through the assembly in Nov 2020 to demand the inclusion of ‘Sarna Dharma’ as Code 7 in the Census register. CM Hemant Soren said that the resolution was a symbolic recognition of the demand of the people of the state and needs to be acted upon by the Centre since holding of the Census is the prerogative of the Union govt. JMM argues that if BJP really cared about tribals, it would have takens steps to introduce a separate religious code for them in the Census register.