Culture of Violence or Violence of Cultures?

Adivasis and Witch-hunting in Chotanagpur

Abstract

On account of its inability to conform to the ‘rational’, ‘objective’, and ‘scientific’ notions of history, witch-hunting has remained marginalised in the mainstream historical research. This article examines an aspect of witch-hunting – violence – that has not only led to the construction of certain cultural stereotypes around Adivasis, but has also raised debates related to human rights and culturally-sanctioned violence. Focusing upon the Chotanagpur region, which formed the ‘Adivasi heartland’ of the state of Bihar, and later the state of Jharkhand, it explores the nature and structure of violence related to witch hunting from around 1850s to present times. It looks into questions related to production of such violence alongside its manifestations, elements and constituencies over a period of time. With the help of some case studies, it also shows how such violence continues to acquire new forms and meanings.