Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Book Review: Tribals' Lives Changed by Colonial and Freedom Movements
Umar Khalid's book 'Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power' tells the story of the Hos tribe in the Singhbhum region, now part of Jharkhand.
The book covers the period from 1830 to 1950 and explains how the lives of the Hos changed due to the policies of the East India Company and the British government.
The book also discusses the political awakening of the tribals during the freedom movement and the influence of different religious and political groups.
Khalid argues that the internal dynamics of the Adivasis are complex and conflict-ridden, challenging the romanticized view of them as united communities resisting outsiders.
Umar Khalid's book 'Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power' covers the political story of the Hos tribe in Singhbhum from 1830 to 1950.
The book challenges the romanticized view of Adivasis, highlighting their internal conflicts and varied responses to the state.
The East India Company and British government policies, including deforestation and the creation of protected forests, significantly impacted the Hos.
The freedom movement brought political awakening to the tribal region, with the Adivasi Mahasabha emerging as a rallying point.
The book connects historical events with modern politics, such as the BJP's choice of a non-tribal chief minister for Jharkhand in 2014.
- Who
- Umar Khalid
- What
- A book review of 'Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power'
- When
- 1830 to 1950
- Where
- Singhbhum region, now part of Jharkhand
- Why
- To understand the political story of the Hos and the impact of colonial and freedom movements on tribal lives
Colonial and Freedom Movement Perspectives
Tribal Internal Dynamics
Romanticized vs. Realistic View of Adivasis
Colonial and Freedom Movement Perspectives
The romanticized view portrays Adivasis as idyllic communities unitedly resisting outsiders.
Tribal Internal Dynamics
The realistic view acknowledges internal conflicts and varied responses to the state among Adivasis.
- Author
- Umar Khalid
- Book Title
- Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power
- Publisher
- Juggernaut
- Pages
- 348
- Price
- Rs 499
- Time Period Covered
- 1830 to 1950
- Key Figures
- Jaipal Singh Munda, Raghubir Das