Agrarian legislation in Jharkhand region of Bihar: A historical perspective*

Sharan** Since time immemorial, Jharkhand region of Bihar happens to be the homeland of large number of people primarily tribals. Although the history of the area is obscure, it seems that various tribal groups came in the area, cleared the forest and settled in the valleys. They developed their own set of traditions and customs determining ownership, use and succession of land and common property resources. However, after living in relative isolation, the area has witnessed outside impositions since Mughal period. Each phase of history has brought new challenges and threats over the resources of these people, both individual and common property resources. The tribals in Jharkhand have a long history, both violent and non-violent protests in the area. The history of formal agrarian legislation bagan in the British period and each protest led to a new set of legislation in the area. The process continues till date. The present paper makes a modest attempt to discuss briefly the Agrarian legislation in the Jharkhand region of Bihar in a historical perspective namely in pre-British, British and post-Independence period. PRE-BRITISH PHASE Although the early history of the area is obscure, still certain phases in pre-British period has been identified (Tete. 1984). In the first phase it seems various tribal groups migrated to the area and reclaimed uncultivated forest. The communities develoed a system of land ownership and common property rights governed by the village and intervillage councils known as Paraha Panchayat System in Oraon areas and Munda Manki Systems in Munda area. Currently in the villages three groups can well be identified: * Based on CSD’s research on the tribal land alienation in Dumka and Ranchi districts o