The conflict surrounding Marang Buru, also known as Parasnath, is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious beliefs of the Santals and Jains. This hill, located in Giridih district of Jharkhand, holds significant importance for both communities.
For the Jains, Marang Buru is sacred as it is believed that 20 out of the 24 tirthankaras achieved nirvana on this hill, particularly Parshvanatha, the 23rd tirthankara. The hill features over 40 Jain temples, marking it as a prominent pilgrimage site.
Conversely, the Santals revere Marang Buru as the abode of their supreme deity. They celebrate the Sendra festival annually during Baisakh, which includes traditional hunting and rituals of great cultural significance.
The friction between the two communities traces back to colonial times, specifically in 1911 when British authorities declared the hill sacred to the Jains. This declaration was met with resistance from the Santals, leading to disputes over hunting rights and religious practices.
The Privy Council, which served as the highest court during colonial rule, recognized the Santals' customary right to hunt on the hill despite the Jain community's objections, setting a precedent for the ongoing conflict.
After India gained independence, the government implemented measures affecting the Santals' rights. In 1972, environmental protection laws led to the removal of villages around Marang Buru. The invocation of the Wildlife Protection Act and forest rights laws significantly impacted Santal traditions.
On May 3, 2024, the Jharkhand High Court mandated the state to prohibit alcohol, meat, and other intoxicants within a 25 km radius of the hill to honor Jain sentiments. This ruling has sparked further controversy.
The Santals have voiced strong objections to this recent order, claiming it infringes upon their traditional practices and dietary customs. Many tribal groups perceive these restrictions as an attempt at cultural suppression, disguised as environmental or religious protection.
The Marang Buru conflict remains unresolved, with Adivasi leaders actively advocating for their rights through legal and political channels. Meanwhile, Jain communities persist in their efforts to enforce the newly imposed restrictions.
The Marang Buru Sendra Samiti, along with the Adivasi Sarna Seva Samiti, is at the forefront of the current protests. These organizations have filed petitions asserting the Santals' customary rights over the hill.
Q1. What is Marang Buru known for?
Answer: Marang Buru, also called Parasnath, is significant to both Santals and Jains. It is a sacred site where many tirthankaras attained nirvana and is revered as a deity's abode by the Santals.
Q2. What are the main issues in the Marang Buru dispute?
Answer: The primary issues involve hunting rights for the Santals and the Jains' religious restrictions. The conflict stems from historical declarations and contemporary legal rulings impacting traditional practices.
Q3. How has the Indian government responded to the conflict?
Answer: The government has enacted laws that have affected Santal practices, including the Wildlife Protection Act. Recent court rulings have sought to impose restrictions that the Santals argue infringe upon their rights.
Q4. What is the Sendra festival?
Answer: The Sendra festival is an important cultural event for the Santals, celebrated annually during Baisakh at Marang Buru. It involves rituals and traditional hunting, highlighting their spiritual connection to the hill.
Q5. Which organizations are involved in the current protests?
Answer: The Marang Buru Sendra Samiti, along with the Adivasi Sarna Seva Samiti, is actively protesting against the restrictions imposed, claiming to uphold Santal customary rights over the hill.
Question 1: What is the significance of Marang Buru to the Santals?
A) It is a site for Jain pilgrimage.
B) It is the abode of their supreme deity.
C) It is a historical monument.
D) It is a national park.
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: When did the British officially declare Marang Buru sacred to Jains?
A) 1947
B) 1911
C) 1950
D) 1925
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: In what year did the Jharkhand High Court issue a directive to ban alcohol near Marang Buru?
A) 2022
B) 2024
C) 2020
D) 2019
Correct Answer: B
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