Study Material - Jharkhandi Jobs

Traditional Governance System of Tribes of Jharkhand झारखंड की पारंपरिक जनजातीय शासन व्यवस्था

Traditional Governance System of the Munda Tribe

The Munda are one of the major tribal communities of Jharkhand. Their traditional system of governance is village-based, community-oriented and governed by customary rules. Separate functionaries handle village administration, religious observances, social discipline, land-related matters and dispute resolution.

A Munda village is not merely a residential settlement. It also functions as a political, social and religious unit. The Munda and the Pahan perform important roles at the village level, while matters involving several villages can be placed before the Parha Panchayat.

Important Fact: Administrative and religious responsibilities are generally divided between different functionaries. The Munda is the administrative head, while the Pahan serves as the religious head of the village.

1. Meaning of the Term “Munda”

In the traditional system, the term “Munda” is used for the head or principal representative of a village. He represents the village in political and administrative affairs and is expected to possess knowledge of community customs and social rules.

The term subsequently also became associated with the identity of the Munda tribal community. Therefore, a distinction must be made between the Munda tribe and the village functionary called Munda.

2. Hatu: The Munda Village

In Mundari usage, a village is known as a Hatu. It forms the basic unit of traditional governance. Social, administrative and religious matters were considered through community meetings.

The administrative head of the village is generally known as the Munda or Hatu Munda. The office is traditionally hereditary, although community acceptance and observance of customary duties remained important.

Principal Functions of the Hatu Munda

Representing the village in political and administrative matters.
Convening meetings of the village council.
Maintaining peace and social order.
Ensuring compliance with customary rules and community decisions.
Settling ordinary disputes between village families.
Considering matters related to land, boundaries and community resources.
Performing revenue-related functions during historical periods.
Representing the village before regional traditional institutions.

Exam Reminder: In the Munda system, the village is called Hatu, while its administrative head is known as the Munda or Hatu Munda.

3. The Khuntkatti Land System

Munda governance was closely connected with land. Lineages or families that cleared forest land, made it cultivable and established a settlement acquired customary collective rights associated with the Khuntkatti system.

“Khunt” is generally understood as a lineage or family group, while “katti” refers to clearing forest for cultivation. The original reclaiming families are known as Khuntkattidars.

The Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 legally defines Mundari Khunt-Kattidari tenancy and a Mundari Khunt-Kattidar. Section 8 describes a Mundari Khunt-Kattidar as a Mundari who acquired a right to hold jungle land for bringing suitable portions under cultivation by himself or by male members of his family.

Verified Additional Fact: Section 8 of the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 deals with the meaning of a Mundari Khunt-Kattidar.

4. Akhra

The Akhra is an important community and cultural space in a Munda village. It is used not only for dance and festivals but also for village meetings and public deliberations.

Meetings concerning social questions and community affairs are commonly held at the Akhra. It therefore connects the cultural and public life of the village.

5. Pahan: Religious Head of the Village

The religious head of a Munda village is known as the Pahan. He conducts rituals connected with village deities, nature and agriculture. He plays a leading role in ceremonies performed for peace, prosperity, good crops and the welfare of the community.

Principal Functions of the Pahan

Conducting rituals connected with village deities and ancestors.
Leading community worship at the Sarna sacred site.
Performing ceremonies connected with agriculture and the seasons.
Conducting traditional worship for village peace and prosperity.
Providing religious leadership during Sarhul and other community festivals.

The Pahan could traditionally receive rent-free or service-related land for performing his religious responsibilities. The terminology and practice associated with such land could differ between localities.

6. Assistants of the Pahan

Different local functionaries assist the Pahan in religious and community work. In some regions, the Mahto and Pujar/Panbhara assist him.

Functionary	Principal Role
Pahan	Religious head and conductor of major village rituals
Mahto	Assistant involved in communication and community work
Pujar/Panbhara	Assistant to the Pahan during worship and religious ceremonies

7. Bhoot-Kheta

In some local traditions, the Pahan conducts special worship for the peace and protection of the village. Additional land provided for performing this responsibility is known as Bhoot-Kheta.

Its produce or income is used to conduct customary worship associated with spirits or ancestors. The relevant beliefs and practices could vary between regions.

8. Major Village-level Institutions and Functionaries

Office/Institution	Position or Function
Hatu	Munda village or village community
Munda/Hatu Munda	Administrative and political head of the village
Pahan	Religious head of the village
Mahto	Assistant in village and religious affairs
Pujar/Panbhara	Assistant to the Pahan during religious ceremonies
Akhra	Place for council meetings and cultural activities

9. Parha Panchayat

The inter-village institution formed by a group of Munda villages is known as the Parha or Parha Panchayat. It operates above the individual village council.

Matters that could not be settled within one village, or disputes affecting two or more villages, can be placed before the Parha Panchayat.

Principal Functions of the Parha Panchayat

Resolving disputes between two or more villages.
Considering appeals against village-level decisions.
Protecting social customs and community rules.
Settling inter-village land and boundary disputes.
Considering serious social offences and matters of collective importance.
Maintaining cooperation and social unity among villages.

10. Parha Raja and Supporting Functionaries

The highest functionary of the Parha Panchayat is known as the Parha Raja. He presides over its meetings and plays a leading role in resolving inter-village matters.

Functionary	Principal Function
Parha Raja	Highest functionary of the Parha Panchayat
Thakur	Adviser to the Parha Raja
Diwan	Minister or principal administrative assistant
Pandey	Custodian of documents and records
Kotwar	Functionary associated with village or council security
Karta	Regulated and conducted council proceedings
Lal	Presented a matter or represented a side before the council

11. Decision-making and Dispute Resolution

Ordinary disputes are considered at the village level. The parties, witnesses and experienced community members are heard before a decision is reached according to customary rules.

Serious disputes involving two or more villages are placed before the Parha Panchayat. The objective is not limited to punishment; it also included restoring peace, discipline and social relations.

12. Structure of Munda Governance

Level	Institution/Office	Principal Role
Village	Hatu	Village community and local council
Administrative leadership	Munda/Hatu Munda	Administration, social order and local disputes
Religious leadership	Pahan	Worship, festivals and religious ceremonies
Inter-village level	Parha Panchayat	Collective and serious matters involving several villages
Regional leadership	Parha Raja	Leadership of the Parha and inter-village justice

Avoid Confusion: The territorial forms and titles of the Munda–Manki and Parha institutions are not uniform everywhere. The Munda or Hatu Munda is the village-level head; regional leadership is described through the Manki office in some areas and through the Parha hierarchy in other accounts.

Important Points for Examinations

A Munda village is called Hatu.
The administrative head is known as the Munda or Hatu Munda.
The religious head of the village is called Pahan.
The Akhra is a place for community meetings and cultural activities.
A group of villages forms a Parha Panchayat.
The highest functionary of the Parha Panchayat is the Parha Raja.
Disputes involving two or more villages are resolved at the Parha level.
Khuntkatti concerns the customary land rights of original reclaiming lineages.
Section 8 of the CNT Act, 1908 defines a Mundari Khunt-Kattidar.
The Munda and the Pahan represent administrative and religious leadership, respectively.

Quick Revision

Village	Hatu
Village head	Munda/Hatu Munda
Religious head	Pahan
Meeting and cultural ground	Akhra
Inter-village institution	Parha Panchayat
Head of the Parha	Parha Raja
Traditional land system	Khuntkatti

Practice Questions

What is a Munda village called?
How do the functions of the Munda differ from those of the Pahan?
What is the social and administrative importance of the Akhra?
What is meant by the Khuntkatti system?
How is a Parha Panchayat formed?
What are the principal functions of the Parha Raja?
Which section of the CNT Act, 1908 defines a Mundari Khunt-Kattidar?
How does the Munda system differ from the Munda–Manki system?