TWO DAY NATIONAL CONFERENCE
TRIBAL RESISTANCE, RESILIENCE, AND REIMAGINING FUTURES:
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF BHAGWAN BIRSA MUNDA’S LEGACY
21-22 June, 2025
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai
Embedded Files
As India begins the year-long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, IIT Madras joins in celebrating the life and legacy of our great iconic figure. Known as “Dharti Aba” (“Father of the Earth”), Bhagwan Birsa Munda organised the “Ulgulan” or the Munda Rebellion against British oppression in the late 1890s. Such tribal movements in modern India’s history are a testament to the resilience and spirit of indigenous communities who stood against British colonial oppression. Often overshadowed by mainstream narratives of the freedom struggle, these movements were spearheaded by tribal leaders and heroes. Tribal resistance to colonial oppression is distinguished by its unique characteristics, deeply rooted in the indigenous knowledge, culture, and oral traditions of tribal communities. Tribal movements are not just episodes of resistance but living legacies that continue to resonate through both monumental and non-monumental expressions. Tribal women were also crucial but frequently disregarded players in India’s freedom movement. The role of tribal communities in the Indian National Army (INA) movement in Northeast India is another significant yet underexplored chapter of India’s struggle for independence.
CALL FOR PAPERS AND PANELS
We invite submissions for both panels as well as individual papers on issues relevant to the theme of the conference. We specially encourage papers and panels on new emerging areas of research on tribes and development.
TOPICS OF INTEREST
Life and Legacy of Birsa Munda
Forgotten Freedom Fighters of Tribal Communities
Colonial Policies and Tribal Movements
Monuments and Memorials of Tribal Movements
Tribal Warfare Tactics and Strategies
Tribal Contributions to the Indian National Army (INA)
Women’s Role in Tribal Movements
Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Practices of Tribal Communities
Tribal Music
Tribal Economy/Economic Issues
Folklores, Oral Histories and Traditions
Traditional Governance
Tribal Development and Livelihoods
Tribal Entrepreneurship
Language, Culture (life), and Society of Tribes of India
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse