Class 8 CBSE –Chapter 5: Understanding Marginalisation

Introduction to Understanding Marginalisation:

These notes of Chapter 5: Understanding Marginalisation cover the entire chapter in concise, exam-friendly language. For exams, focus on definitions, examples of marginalisation of Adivasis and Muslims, Sachar Committee findings, Forest Rights Act, and constitutional safeguards. Diagrams such as “Vicious cycle of marginalisation” and “Loss of Adivasi rights over time” can also be drawn for better marks.

What is Marginalisation?

• Marginalisation means pushing certain groups of people to the edge (margin) of society so that they are excluded from mainstream social, economic, cultural, and political life.
• Such groups have little access to education, jobs, healthcare, housing, and dignity.
• They experience discrimination, prejudice, and inequality on a daily basis.
• Marginalisation is a combined result of economic poverty + social discrimination.

Who are the Marginalised Communities in India?

The chapter mainly focuses on two major groups:

1. Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes – STs)
2. Muslims (a religious minority)

Other marginalised groups mentioned briefly:

• Dalits (Scheduled Castes – SCs)
• Women
• Persons with disabilities

1. Adivasis – The Original Inhabitants

• Meaning: “Adivasi” literally means “original inhabitants”.
• About 8% of India’s population (more than 84 million people).
• Around 700 tribes recognised as Scheduled Tribes.
• They live mostly in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, north-eastern states, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, etc.
• Many Adivasis live in forests and hilly areas and have close relationship with forests.

Distinct Culture of Adivasis

• Different languages (e.g., Santhali, Gondi, Oraon, Munda)
• Unique religions and worship: nature worship, ancestor worship, village and nature spirits
• Festivals, dances (Sohrai, Sarhul, Karma, Bhagoria)
• Songs, dances, and art forms are different from mainstream culture
• Traditional dress, jewellery, tattoos

How Adivasis Became Marginalised

Historical reasons:

1. British colonial rule:
   • Forests were declared state property.
   • Adivasis lost rights over forest produce, hunting, shifting cultivation (jhum).
   • Many were forced to work as bonded labour on tea plantations.
2. After Independence:
   • Large dams, mines, industries, wildlife sanctuaries built on Adivasi land.
   • Millions of Adivasis displaced without proper compensation or rehabilitation.
   • Example: Narmada Bachao Andolan (Sardar Sarovar Dam) displaced lakhs of Adivasis.
3. Forest laws (Indian Forest Act 1927, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Forest Conservation Act 1980) restricted Adivasis’ traditional rights.
   • 2006 → Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights Act) – FRA tried to correct this injustice.

Present Situation of Adivasis

• Highest rate of poverty among all social groups.
• Lowest literacy rate.
• High malnutrition and infant mortality.
• Many still do forced migration as labourers.
• Loss of language and culture due to mainstream schooling and media.

2. Muslims – A Religious Minority

• Muslims are about 14.2% of India’s population (2011 Census) – third largest Muslim population in the world.
• They are a religious minority because Hindus are the majority community.

How Muslims Experience Marginalisation

1. Social discrimination:
   • Stereotyped as “untrustworthy”, “violent”, or “backward”.
   • Face prejudice in renting houses, jobs, etc.
2. Economic backwardness:
   • Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted: – Muslims have the lowest literacy rate among major religious groups. – Very low representation in government jobs, police, and armed forces. – High poverty and low per capita income. – Very few Muslim children reach higher education.
3. Political under-representation:
   • Very few Muslim MPs and MLAs compared to their population.
4. Feeling of insecurity:
   • Communal riots affect Muslims disproportionately.
   • Many live in segregated localities (ghettos) due to fear and discrimination.

Other Marginalised Groups Briefly Discussed

• Dalits (Scheduled Castes):
  • Face untouchability and social boycott even today.
  • Though laws exist (Protection of Civil Rights Act, SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act), discrimination continues.
• Women:
  • Lower wages, less education, domestic violence, low political representation.

Concepts Related to Marginalisation

1. Minority:
   • A group that is smaller in number than the majority community.
   • May be religious (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs), linguistic (Tamil speakers in UP), or cultural.
   • Minorities often face discrimination because the majority culture is treated as “normal”.
2. Ghettoisation:
   • When a minority community is forced to live in separate localities due to social or economic pressure.
   • Example: Muslim-dominated areas in many cities (Juhapura in Ahmedabad, Mumbra in Mumbai).
3. Mainstream:
   • The culture, language, and practices of the majority community that dominate public life, media, education, etc.
4. Stereotype:
   • Fixed, oversimplified image about a community (e.g., “All Adivasis are lazy”, “Muslims are fanatics”).

Constitutional Provisions to Protect Marginalised Groups

• Article 15: No discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth.
• Article 17: Abolishes untouchability.
• Article 46: State shall promote educational and economic interests of SCs, STs and other weaker sections.
• Article 29: Protection of culture and language of minorities.
• Article 30: Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
• Reservation in education, jobs, and legislatures for SCs and STs.
• National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and National Commission for Minorities.

Forest Rights Act, 2006 (Important Points)

• Recognises the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
• Rights given:
  • Right to live in forest
  • Ownership of minor forest produce (tendu leaves, honey, herbs)
  • Grazing rights
  • Right over community resources
  • Right to protect and manage community forest resources
• Gram Sabha has the power to decide claims.

How Can We Fight Marginalisation?

1. Implement laws strictly.
2. Spread awareness and education.
3. Promote inter-community interaction and festivals.
4. Reservations and scholarships.
5. Media should show positive images of marginalised groups.
6. Encourage political participation.

Important Terms to Remember

• Marginalisation
• Adivasis
• Scheduled Tribes
• Minorities
• Sachar Committee (2006)
• Forest Rights Act (2006)
• Ghettoisation
• Displacement
• Stereotyping
• Cultural diversity

Key Facts and Figures (as per NCERT)

• Adivasis ≈ 8% of population
• Muslims ≈ 14% of population
• More than 50% of Adivasis displaced by development projects since Independence.
• Literacy rate of Muslims lower than national average.
• Only about 3–4% Muslims in IAS, IPS, and Indian Foreign Service.

Download pdf notes and Sulutions of the Chapter:

Chapter 6: Confronting Marginalisation

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