One people, many names
The Kudumi are an agricultural community living mainly in Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, with groups in Assam and in neighbouring countries. Across regions and records they appear under several names:
- Kudumi
- Kudmi
- Kurmi-Mahato
- Kudumi Mahanta
Their mother tongue is Kurmali (Kudmali), an Indo-Aryan language. Researchers note that the community should not be confused with other groups called Kurmi elsewhere in India, because histories, customs and status differ.
This section of the archive looks at the community through four lenses. We aim to present evidence and the range of views fairly, and to say plainly where questions remain open.
Society, Kinship & Belief
How the community organises itself and understands the world.
Clans (Gusti)
The community is divided into many clans, reported to number around 81, each traditionally associated with a totem. Examples reported in the literature include Keshria, Hindowar, Bagh Banwar, Nagwar and Katiar.
Religion & Nature
Hindu practice exists alongside a tradition of nature worship. Community organisations have sought recognition of their traditional faith as Sarna. Religious life is closely tied to the farming year.
Language
Kurmali is the community language across the region. Speakers have asked for it to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Many also use Odia, Bengali or Hindi.
A Record in Dates
Key moments in how the Kudumi have been recorded, classified and remembered. Entries marked with a star are still being researched.
Origins and settlement
Oral tradition and scholarship describe settled farming communities across the forested plateau and plains of eastern India. Detailed origin accounts are still being compiled.
The Jungle Mahal uprisings
A long series of revolts against colonial rule in the forest region, which the British called the “Chuar Rebellion”. “Chuar” was a derogatory term applied to several local peoples, including Kurmi groups. The role of Kudumi communities is part of our ongoing research.
“Notified Tribe”
Classed as a Notified Tribe under the Indian Succession Act, in view of their customary succession rules.
Recorded as a “Primitive Tribe”
Colonial records of this period list the community among the primitive tribes.
Left out of the tribal list
The community does not appear among the tribes in the 1931 Census, following a period in which some sections sought higher caste status.
Not included in the Scheduled Tribes list
The first post-independence list of Scheduled Tribes did not include the Kudumi. The reasons are not clearly recorded.
Backward class recognition
The Kalelkar Commission (1955) proposed listing the community as a backward class in West Bengal. After the Mandal recommendations were implemented, the community was recognised as an Other Backward Class (OBC) in Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
State recommendation, central decision
The Jharkhand government recommended Scheduled Tribe status in 2004. The proposal was not approved at the national level, and it was reported in 2015 that the Government of India had declined it.
Renewed agitation
In April 2023, community organisations in West Bengal and Jharkhand held rail blockades demanding Scheduled Tribe status and inclusion of Kurmali in the Eighth Schedule.
Recognition, Representation & Debate
The central political question for the community is its classification. Here is how the two sides put their case.
The case for Scheduled Tribe status
- The community was recognised as a tribe in colonial records until 1931, and was later left off the list without a clear explanation.
- Its customs, nature-centred worship, clan and totem system and language are those of a tribal society.
- Scheduled Tribe status is a constitutional category, not a religious one.
- Many criteria used to define tribes have themselves been criticised as outdated.
The case against
- Groups already listed as Scheduled Tribes, such as the Santhal and Bhumij, fear a loss of their share of reserved benefits.
- They point to the extent of Hindu religious practice among the Kudumi.
- Some state research institutes have not found that the community meets the tribal criteria.
- They argue that existing OBC status already offers reservation.
A note on neutrality. Kudumi Culture is an independent archive and does not take a party or campaign position. Policy decisions change, so please check official notifications for the current position. This section reflects sources as of October 2026.
Land & Livelihood
How the community has earned its living, and how that is changing.
Farming
Agriculture, above all paddy cultivation, is the community’s traditional occupation, and the festival calendar follows the farming year. Some families were historically landholders.
Changing livelihoods
Fragmented landholdings, wage labour, migration for work, education and government service now shape household incomes.
Detailed figures on landholding, literacy, employment and migration are still being collected through our research programmes. Have local data or a study to share? Write to us.
What We Are Studying
Programmes that will deepen this section over time.
Oral History Project
Recording elders’ memories of village life, migration and festivals.
Language Documentation
Collecting Kurmali words, songs and stories before they are lost.
Clans & Genealogy
Mapping clans, totems and family histories across districts.
Land & Livelihood Survey
Understanding farming, work and migration in today’s villages.
Recognition & Policy Archive
Gathering official records, reports and notifications in one place.
Collaborate With Us
Scholars, students and institutions are warmly invited to join.
Get in touch- “Kudmis’ Quest for Scheduled Tribe Status”, Frontier, vol. 56, no. 47.
- “Kudmi community”, Journals of India.
- “Kudmi Mahato”, Bharatpedia (overview; verify against primary sources).
- “Jungle Mahal Uprisings against British Rule”, GKToday.
- Leelabati Mohanta on the Kurmi-Mahato of Mayurbhanj, Odisha Review, January 2018.
Spot an error or have a better source? Please tell us. See also our Disclaimer.
From the Record to the Living Culture
Move from documents and dates to the festivals, songs and people of the community.