4. Manjhi pargana Governance System
The Santhals are one of the major tribes of India-a systematic farming tribe. Santhals have the highest number of tribal population in Jharkhand. Santhal Pargana is the main residence of Santhals in Jharkhand. It is said that they lived in Bengal for a long time before coming there. In Bengal, they were called Saotar Coming from there, these were the people of Pahadia community who were native to Santhal-Pargana. When the British entered in 1765 AD, the Pahadia refused to accept subjugation. Failure to control the freedom loving Pahadia tribe led to a clash between the Santhals and the Pahadia. In 1832-33, Damin-i-Koh zone was established by demarcating 1338 sq.kms. This terrain was allotted to the Pahadia tribe and the terrain spread over it was reserved for settlement of the Santhals The Santhals have obtained the Manjhi system from the Sauria- Pahadia tribe, Sauria's political life has been very democratic. The village is managed by Manjhi, who is also the head and worshipper of the village. He is assisted by Giri, Kotwar and Bhandari or Gundait. Often cases related to sexual offenses, divorce, theft, land disputes, etc. are raised in Gram Panchayat -There are two types of intergovernmental organizations to solve the disputes between different villages. There is a hero in 15 to 20 villages and a chieftain in 70 to 80 villages.
Sardar holds the responsibility of the entire area. Sardar, Nayak and Manjhi were recognized during the British rule and they were given monthly stipend. The Santhals adopted a political organization similar to that of Sauria Pahadia. There is a panchayat in each Santhal village, headed by Manjhi. There is also a religious head of villages, which is called Nayake. Manjhil is the head of the village and has administrative and judicial powers. He convenes the Gram Sabha to settle the quarrels of the village, collects rent and gives permission to establish a marriage. It has an assistant, which is called Jog Manjhi Jog Manjhi' keeps an eye on the people of the society for their conduct, as well as resolves marital problems. On the occasion of birth and marriage, his advice is
There is a panchayat in each Santhal village, headed by also a religious head of villages, which is of the village and has administrative important. In Manjhi's absence, his work is considered 'authentic.' The village consists of Godait as a messenger, who informs the villagers of the gram sabha about a festival, asks them to gather at one place and obeys and gets the command of the Manjhi. Manjhi'. There is called 'Nayake. Manjhi' is the head and judicial powers. Manjhi handles all the village issues except a serious crime like murder which is handled through Gram Panchayat. In the decision of the quarrel, there are some senior gentlemen for discussion, which are called Bhagdo Praja Crimes are punished whether financial or physical or both. Once the charges of sexual offenses are proven, the guilty is first submitted to prove in front of wife and if the accused refuses, he is sent to Desh Manjhi or Parganat, where, with no alternative, to the Santhals. The most severe punishment is the punishment of Bitlaha (social ostracism). In this, a person is completely excommunicated, humiliated and despised and removed from the village society. Jog Manjhi is informed first when a virgin girl is pregnant and then a panchayat meeting is held. If the girl identifies the name of the father of the illegitimate child and the charge is proved, then the culprit has to adopt the girl. If the father's name or identity is not disclosed by the girl, the girl's family has to offer rice, pulses, khasi, etc. for the rituals and banqueting as a punishment to remove the blame and sanctify the village. When a child is born. it is named after the tribe of Jog Manjhi. In the village panchayat, real estate matters, divorce, mutual disputes, etc. are resolved. If someone is killed then government intervention is necessary. Manjhi of 5-8 villages is called Desh Manjhi. The cases, which are not resolved, are sent to Desh Manjhi for decision.
A Pargana consisting of 15-20 villages is formed, which is an intramural organization. Its head is called 'Parganat. There are many functions responsible for 'Parganat. Disputes between various villages are settled by this panchayat. Desh Manjhi or Manjhi, who cannot resolve the matter, sends it to Parganat. Parganat also has the right to do 'Bitlaha Desh Manjhi is helpful to Parganat. In the case of marriage. Jog Manjhi only takes the decision and in religious crimes. only the Nayake gives the decision.
Presently, with the establishment of government panchayats, the power of traditional panchayats has decreased, yet both are working together. Still, Parganat deals with social, marital and other problems of all the villages in the area. When a woman is found guilty of sexual relations with a consort male or non-Santhal, she is sentenced to 'Bitlaha. There is also a provision to condone the sentence of Bitlaha. The guilty has to offer a large caste feast while apologizing. Now the Bitlaha punishment is often given for nil. The administration's intervention has also started in this. The learning of following the oral constitution, rules and bye-laws in collective and family life is found from childhood. Neglect and violation is punished by the social panchayat. Santhals recognize collective life.
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