Rajya Sabha MP Advocates for Tribal Cultural Corridor to Safeguard Ancient Heritage
In a significant move to preserve India's rich tribal legacy, Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, Deepak Prakash, on Monday passionately demanded the establishment of a special cultural corridor dedicated to saving ancient tribal heritage. Addressing the Upper House, Prakash emphasized the urgent need to develop this corridor by interlinking the historically profound sites of Rohtasgarh, Mudma, and Marang Buru, which are spread across the borders of Jharkhand and Bihar.
Historical and Cultural Significance of the Proposed Sites
Prakash elaborated on the deep-rooted importance of each location, highlighting their unique contributions to tribal identity and history. He stated, "Rohtasgarh in Bihar stands as a powerful center of the Oraon community's valour and holds indelible memories of their ancestors, symbolizing resilience and tradition." Moving to the Mudma site located in Mandar, Ranchi, he described it as not merely a place of religious significance but also the birthplace of the 'Padha governance system'. This ancient system, he noted, has been instrumental in keeping tribal society united and cohesive for centuries, serving as a testament to their sophisticated social structures.
Regarding the Santhal community, Prakash pointed out that 'Marang Buru', known as the Parasnath mountain in Giridih, is revered as the supreme deity of Santhals. "It transcends being just a mountain; it represents the very identity and existence for millions of tribals, embodying their spiritual and cultural essence," he asserted. Despite their world-class heritage status, Prakash lamented that these sites continue to struggle with a lack of basic amenities such as proper roads, reliable electricity, and access to clean drinking water.
Call to Action and Political Backlash
In his appeal to the government, Prakash urged for the construction of a special corridor connecting Mudma, Marang Buru, and Rohtasgarh. He argued that such an initiative would not only enhance infrastructure but also allow the global community to become acquainted with India's diverse tribal civilization, vibrant culture, and glorious history. This, he believes, could boost tourism and foster greater appreciation for tribal contributions to the nation's heritage.
However, the demand has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party, part of the ruling alliance in Jharkhand, dismissing it as a "political drama" orchestrated by the BJP ahead of the state's upcoming civic polls. Party general secretary Alok Dubey criticized the move, stating, "The so-called cultural corridor demand in Parliament today is merely a political ploy aimed at influencing municipal elections. It's a pattern where BJP leaders suddenly awaken to tribal society's identity, culture, and faith just before every election."
Dubey further challenged the BJP's sincerity, questioning why such initiatives were not undertaken during their tenure in power in Jharkhand from 2014 to 2019, a period when they also led the central government. This accusation adds a layer of political tension to the debate, framing the cultural corridor proposal within the broader context of electoral strategies and governance accountability.
The discussion underscores the ongoing struggle to balance heritage preservation with political realities, as tribal communities seek recognition and support for their ancestral lands and traditions.
