Manki-Munda System and Ho Tribe

15-Sep-2025

Manki-Munda System and Ho Tribe

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Ho Adivasis in Jharkhand’s Kolhan protested against alleged interference in the Manki-Munda system, citing vacant posts, hereditary inefficiencies, and demands for reforms.

About: Self-governance framework of the Ho adivasi community; Munda (village head), Manki (head of 8–15 villages/pidh). Handles local disputes; no role in revenue, land, or tax.
British Era: Captain Thomas Wilkinson (1833) codified system; integrated Mundas & Mankis into colonial administration
Led to private property, pattas, and influx of outsiders (dikkus)
Post-Independence: Wilkinson’s Rules still followed; recognised as customs (not law) in Mora Ho vs State of Bihar (2000)
- 2021 Jharkhand initiative (Nyay Manch) proposed reform, but not enacted.

Ho Tribe

Ethnic Group: Ho or Kolha are Austroasiatic Munda ethnic group; mainly in Jharkhand’s Kolhan, parts of Odisha, WB, Bihar, Bangladesh, and Nepal
Language: Ho; written in Devanagari, Latin, Warang Citi (native script developed by Lako Bodr)
History: Presence since 3500–4000 years; migations from SE Asia
- Uprisings– Kol (1831–33) against exploitative non-tribal landlords (dikkus), 1857 revolt under Raja of Porahat

Culture: Festivals – Mage Parab (creator god festival), Baa Parab (festival of flowers), Sohrai (agricultural festival), and Jomnama Parab (harvest)
Dance & music central to culture; performances held in the akhra (village ground)
Economy:
- 80%+ in agriculture; among the first adopters of settled farming
- Some in mining
- Depend on sal forests; oppose teak plantations