The Santhals are among the most prominent tribal communities of India and they constitute the largest tribal population in Jharkhand. Their traditional political structure at the village level is known as the Manjhi system. Santhal Pargana is considered their main homeland. It is widely believed that before settling here, many Santhals had lived in Bengal for a long time. During that period, they were sometimes referred to by another name. Later they moved into the forested tracts of present-day Jharkhand.
When the British entered the region, tensions developed between the Santhals and the Pahadia inhabitants. The Pahadias resisted outside authority, and the Santhals too valued their independence. To manage the situation, in 1832–33 the British created a separate area called Damin-i-Koh. A vast stretch of land was marked out mainly for Santhal settlement, while parts continued to remain with the Pahadia people. Despite administrative changes, the Santhals preserved their traditional democratic style of functioning.
In each village, the principal authority is the Manjhi, who acts as the administrative and judicial head. He manages village affairs, maintains order, presides over meetings, settles disputes, collects certain customary dues, and grants permission for marriages. Because of his position, he is highly respected.
The Munda Administration System (Parha Panchayat Government)
The Manjhi is supported by several officials:
1. Jog Manjhi keeps watch on morality, behavior of the youth, and social discipline. Matters related to marriage and family problems often come under his supervision.2. In the absence of the Manjhi, his deputy can perform the necessary duties and his decisions are treated as valid.
3. Godet works as a messenger. He informs people about meetings of the gram sabha, festivals, and instructions issued by the Manjhi.
4. There are other helpers such as Paranik, Kotwar, or guard figures who assist in maintaining order and carrying out community responsibilities.
5. The religious head of a group of villages is called the Nayake.
Most quarrels of the village are first discussed in the assembly of elders. Experienced and respected persons, sometimes called Bhagod Praja, give their opinion. Efforts are made to compromise and restore harmony.
The Manjhi deals with almost all routine matters. However, very serious crimes such as murder may go beyond the village level and be handled by the wider traditional authority or the statutory Gram Panchayat.
There were also inter-village organizations. A number of villages together could fall under a chief who supervised a larger region. During British rule, posts like Manjhi, Nayak, and Sardar received official recognition and some of them were even granted allowances.
Punishments within the system may be economic, physical, or social. When an accusation, particularly of sexual misconduct, is established, the guilty person is expected to admit it. Refusal can lead the matter to higher councils. The severest punishment known in tradition has been bitlaha, meaning complete social boycott. In such a case, the offender is cut off from social relations and loses community support.
Thus, the Manjhi regime represents an organized, community-centered, and customary method of self-government that helped maintain unity, discipline, and cultural continuity among the Santhals.
Doklo Sohor Governance System (Khadia Governance System)
Important Terms & Definitions – Manjhi Regime
| Term | Definition (Exam Ready & Simple) |
|---|---|
| Manjhi | The chief headman of a Santhal village. He is the administrative as well as judicial authority who maintains peace, conducts meetings, settles disputes, collects customary dues, and permits marriages. |
| Jog Manjhi | The officer in charge of social discipline. He keeps watch over the behavior of young people, family morality, and marital matters. |
| Paranik | Deputy or close assistant of the Manjhi. He helps in administration and may act on behalf of the Manjhi when required. |
| Godet | Village messenger. He calls people to meetings, announces festivals, and communicates the orders of the Manjhi to the villagers. |
| Nayake | Religious functionary of the village or a group of villages. He performs rituals, sacrifices, and other ceremonial duties. |
| Kotwar | Guard or watchman who helps maintain law and order and assists village authorities. |
| Gram Sabha | General assembly of the villagers where important social, administrative, and judicial matters are discussed collectively. |
| Bhagod Praja | Group of respected elders whose advice is valued in decision-making and settlement of disputes. |
| Sardar | Head of a cluster of many villages. He supervises wider regional matters and higher-level disputes. |
| Desh Manjhi | A higher authority above the village Manjhi who deals with inter-village issues when they cannot be solved locally. |
| Pargana / Parganait | Territorial organization of several villages; the chief called Parganait looks after administration of the larger unit. |
| Damin-i-Koh | Special territory marked out by the British in the 19th century mainly for Santhal settlement. |
| Customary Dues | Traditional payments or contributions collected under the authority of the Manjhi. |
| Village Assembly | Meeting called by the Manjhi where people gather to hear decisions, solve conflicts, and organize festivals. |
| Social Discipline | Rules of conduct expected from members of the community, supervised mainly by the Jog Manjhi. |
| Inter-village Organization | System connecting many villages under chiefs like Sardar or Parganait for broader governance. |
| Judicial Power | Authority to hear cases, examine accusations, and give judgments within the community. |
| Administrative Power | Authority to manage daily affairs of the village, maintain order, and implement decisions. |
| Bitlaha | Extreme punishment of social boycott in which the offender is isolated and loses community relations. |
| Stipend | Allowance given during the British period to some recognized traditional leaders. |
| Marriage Permission | Formal approval granted by the Manjhi for establishing marital relations. |