Sadan of Jharkhand
The Sadans are regarded as the early non-tribal settlers of Jharkhand. However, every non-tribal inhabitant of the region is not necessarily classified as a Sadan. The expression “Sadan” refers to those communities that have been permanently established in the region for generations. In Sadani usage, a domesticated pigeon is called “Sad Parewa,” whereas a wild pigeon is termed “Ban Parewa.” This linguistic distinction symbolizes the settled nature of Sadans as opposed to those living outside permanent habitation. A clear difference exists between Adivasis and Sadans. Adivasis are tribal groups with distinct ethnic identities, while Sadans are organized as social communities. In the past, most tribal communities preferred to live nomadically as forest dwellers; however, unlike these tribes, Sadans developed communities that were both settled and agricultural.
Linguistic Identity
The Sadan people are often identified by their use of language. A non-tribal individual whose mother tongue is Khortha, Nagpuri, Panchpargania, or Kurmali is generally recognized as belonging to the Sadan community. Dr. B. P. Kesari observed that these languages developed through historical interaction between early settlers and tribal groups, particularly under the influence of the Nagvanshi tradition. Language identity is not confined to caste boundaries. In the Nagdishum region, people from different castes and linguistic backgrounds coexisted.
Religious Beliefs
In terms of religion, Hinduism among Sadans is considered ancient in the region. Jainism also had an early presence. Islam entered India in the sixth century and later influenced this region as well. At present, Sadans may follow Hinduism, Jainism, or Islam. Religious affiliation does not automatically exclude a person from being considered Sadan, provided the mother tongue belongs to the Sadani linguistic group. In some Sadan-dominated areas, Jain influence is visible. Many Sadans follow Vaishnav traditions and worship the Sun. Alongside organized religion, elements of animism and nature worship reflect long-standing interaction with tribal culture.
Racial and Physical Characteristics
Sadans are often described as belonging primarily to Aryan stock, although certain Dravidian groups are also included. Their physical features vary widely. Complexion ranges from fair to wheatish and dark. Height may be short, medium, or tall. This diversity reflects a blend of Aryan, Dravidian, and Austric elements.
Historical Administrative Role
Sadans historically lived alongside Munda and Oraon communities. In the Parha Panchayat system of the Oraons and Mundas, important positions included Diwan, Thakur, Pandey, Karta, and Lal. Within the Manki-Munda administrative framework, the Munda and Pahan belonged to tribal lineage, while assistants such as Lal, Pandey, Thakur, and Diwan participated in administration. This demonstrates cooperation between tribal and Sadan groups. During the British period, particularly around the Kol Rebellion of 1831–32, distinctions between tribal and non-tribal populations became more evident. The British were often described by tribal communities as “Diku,” a term referring to outsiders or exploiters.
Social Structure
Sadan society follows a patriarchal system. Family relations include father, mother, elder and younger brothers, sisters, and extended kin such as uncles and aunts. Lineage and inheritance generally follow the male line. Culturally, the Sadan way of life shows close similarity to tribal customs. Cultural Interaction has been demonstrated in marriage rituals, festivals, songs, dances, and Linguistic Interaction. Tribal cultures influence everyday and ritualistic behaviors, as do Aryan cultures.
Types of Houses and Caste Distribution
Many different caste groups are present in different geographic areas. Rajput, Brahmin, Kumhar, Sonar, Baniya, Dom, Ahir, Chamar, Teli, etc., are examples of caste groups that were settled in different geographic areas. In Nagpur and surrounding regions, communities such as Badhik, Deshwali, Paika, Dhanuk, Rawani, Swasi, Ghasi, Kanu, Lohar, Gadari, Tanti, and Pramanik were also present. The distribution of these castes across different areas suggests migration from original homelands. Village houses were commonly constructed from mud, bamboo, and thatch. Inside the house, utensils were arranged on both sides and were regarded as indicators of prosperity.
Jewellery
Sadan women traditionally wore ornaments similar to those seen in Bengal and Bihar. Common ornaments included anklets, bangles, nose rings, earrings, necklaces, and conch-based ornaments. Tattooing was also practiced among women.
Hunting and Tools
Traditional tools included bows, arrows, spears, swords, and axes. Hunting traditions were practiced similarly to tribal groups. During the zamindari era, some Sadans served as soldiers or guards.
Festivals
Festivals form a major part of Sadan identity. Important celebrations include Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Kali Puja, Jitiya, Sohrai, Sarhul, Makar Sankranti, Tusu, and others. These festivals illustrate the blending of tribal and non-tribal traditions.
Dance and Song
Village settlements generally include an akhara, a common space for collective dance and music. Boys and girls participate together in traditional performances. Popular dance forms include Domkach and Jhumar. Marriage ceremonies involve special group dances such as Domkach and Ghordani. When performed collectively, such dances are sometimes referred to as male dance traditions. Traditional musical instruments include dhol, mandar, and nagara.
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Sadan of Jharkhand
| Category | Key Facts | Specific Details Mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Definition | Meaning of Sadan | Original non-tribal settlers of Jharkhand; not all non-tribals are Sadan |
| Word Meaning | Linguistic Symbol | “Sad Parewa” (domestic pigeon), “Ban Parewa” (wild pigeon) – symbol of settlement |
| Difference from Adivasi | Social Distinction | Adivasis = tribes; Sadans = communities; Adivasis traditionally mobile, Sadans permanent settlers |
| Linguistic Basis | Sadani Languages | Khortha, Nagpuri, Panchpargania, Kurmali |
| Scholar Reference | Linguistic View | Dr. B. P. Kesari – language development linked with Nagvanshi interaction |
| Region Term | Nagdishum | Multi-caste, multilingual coexistence region |
| Religion (Ancient) | Early Religion | Hinduism considered ancient in region |
| Jain Influence | Religious Presence | Jainism had early influence in Sadan areas |
| Islam Entry | Historical Spread | Islam entered India in 6th century; later spread in region |
| Religious Identity Rule | Linguistic Condition | Even Muslim/Jain person may be Sadan if mother tongue is Sadani |
| Vaishnav Influence | Sect Practice | Many Sadans follow Vaishnav tradition |
| Sun Worship | Religious Practice | Sun worship common among Sadans |
| Animism Influence | Tribal Impact | Nature worship & animistic elements due to tribal contact |
| Racial Origin | Ethnic Background | Mainly Aryan; some Dravidian included |
| Racial Mixture | Anthropological Elements | Aryan, Dravidian, Austric blend |
| Physical Formation | Body Features | Complexion – fair, wheatish, dark; Height – short, medium, tall |
| Administrative System | Parha Panchayat Roles | Diwan, Thakur, Pandey, Karta, Lal |
| Tribal Admin System | Manki-Munda Structure | Munda, Pahan (tribal heads); Lal, Pandey, Thakur, Diwan as assistants |
| Tribal Association | Coexistence | Sadans lived with Munda and Oraon communities |
| British Period | Historical Conflict | Kol Rebellion (1831–32) |
| Diku Term | Colonial Context | “Diku” – term used by tribes for outsiders/exploiters (British & non-tribals) |
| Social Structure | Family System | Patriarchal society |
| Kinship Relations | Family Members | Father, mother, elder/younger brother, sister, uncle, aunt |
| Inheritance | Property Rule | Male lineage based inheritance |
| Caste Distribution | Major Castes | Rajput, Brahmin, Kumhar, Sonar, Baniya, Dom, Ahir, Chamar, Teli |
| Regional Castes | Nagpur & nearby | Badhik, Deshwali, Paika, Dhanuk, Rawani, Swasi, Ghasi, Kanu, Lohar, Gadari, Tanti, Pramanik |
| Migration Indication | Settlement Pattern | Spread of castes suggests migration from original homelands |
| House Type | Construction Material | Mud, bamboo, thatch |
| Prosperity Symbol | Household Practice | Utensils kept on both sides inside house = sign of prosperity |
| Jewellery | Women Ornaments | Paila, Sankha, bangles, nose ring, earrings, necklace |
| Tattooing | Cultural Practice | Tattoo common among women |
| Hunting Tools | Traditional Weapons | Bow, arrow, spear, sword, axe |
| Zamindari Role | Occupational Role | Some Sadans served as guards/soldiers |
| Festivals | Major Celebrations | Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Kali Puja, Jitiya, Sohrai, Sarhul, Makar Sankranti, Tusu |
| Cultural Similarity | Tribal Influence | Marriage, dance, music traditions similar to tribes |
| Akhara System | Village Culture | Common space for dance & music |
| Dance Forms | Popular Dances | Domkach, Jhumar, Ghordani |
| Dance Type Term | Classification | Collective group dance sometimes termed “Male dance” |
| Musical Instruments | Traditional Music | Dhol, Mandar, Nagara |