Past and Present of Witchcraft in Purulia District: Context Santal Community/ পুরুলিয়া জেলায় ডাইনি প্রথার অতীত-বর্তমান : প্রসঙ্গ সাঁওতাল সম্প্রদায়

Abstract

At present, there are more than 705 aboriginal Communities in India. The Santal community is one of the third-largest groups. They mainly reside in the eastern states of India. In West Bengal, the highest concentrations are found in districts like West Medinipur, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, West Bardhaman, and Malda, particularly in areas like the Gazal Block. The practice of identifying individuals as witches (Daini) and the Related customs is a long-standing social issue among the Santals, which has been ongoing. While this practice existed among indigenous communities in India and abroad, over time, the term ‘Daini’ has become limited to fictional stories among mainstream populations both in India and outside. However, within indigenous groups, particularly the Santals, this practice has continued largely intact, continuing even after independence.

          To limit the practice of witchcraft and witch identification, states with a significant indigenous population, such as Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, have enacted anti-witchcraft laws. However, no such law has been introduced in Purulia district or West Bengal. In this state, the issue of witchcraft and the related practices have been largely ignored or avoided as a social issue concerning indigenous Santal communities. Particularly in the southwestern part of West Bengal, in Purulia district, which is known for being drought-prone, the practice of labeling individuals as "Daini" has been prevalent even after independence.

            The northern, southern, and eastern parts of Purulia district are primarily inhabited by Santal communities. In the northern region, areas like Kashipur, Nituria, and Saturi block; in the eastern region, areas like Hura and Puncha blocks; and in the southern area, regions like Manbazar 1 Block (two areas), Manbazar 2 Block (seven areas), and the Kaira area of Bandwan police station have a important Santal population. The period between 1960 and 1980 in these areas is known as the "Ojha, Sakha, and Jan Guru era," as during this time, there was widespread torture due to the identification of individuals as witches. However, from the 1980s, anti-witchcraft movements began, leading to some reduction in the practice.

            This article attempts to explore the past and present context of witchcraft identification and practices within the Santal community in Purulia district. However, most of the discussion is based on secondary sources.