New Delhi- Professor Jitendra Meena of Delhi University’s History Department is set to release a groundbreaking book titled " Rashtra Nirman Mein Aadiwasi' " (Tribes in Nation-Building), which brings to light the long-neglected contributions of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building process. The book represents nearly four years of meticulous research, focusing on twelve tribal heroes and heroines from across India whose stories have been conspicuously absent from mainstream historical narratives.

This work challenges the conventional understanding of India’s independence movement by highlighting the pivotal role played by tribal leaders in resisting British rule long before the 1857 revolt.

The inspiration for this book came from Dr. Meena’s observation of a glaring omission in prominent historical works like Ramachandra Guha’s Makers of Modern India and Sunil Khilnani’s Incarnations, which largely ignored tribal figures. Speaking with The Mooknayak, Meena stated that while reading these books during his academic years, he found no mention of tribal leaders, despite their significant role in early anti-colonial struggles. This exclusion prompted him to question why tribal revolts, some of the earliest and most sustained resistances against British rule, were missing from mainstream history. His research seeks to rectify this historical oversight by documenting these overlooked narratives.

One of the central themes of the book is the correction of historical erasure. Dr. Meena argues that ignoring a community’s contributions in historical records effectively denies them recognition in the present. The book meticulously documents tribal revolts that predated and paralleled the 1857 uprising, emphasizing how these movements were often more widespread and prolonged than many mainstream freedom struggles. By doing so, it challenges the urban-centric narrative of India’s independence movement and brings to the forefront the rural and forest-based resistance led by tribal communities.

A unique aspect of this book is that it is written from a tribal perspective, offering an insider’s view of the struggles, sacrifices, and cultural resistance of these communities. Dr. Meena emphasizes that while non-tribal historians may sympathize with these struggles, only a tribal scholar can truly articulate the depth of their experiences. This perspective adds authenticity and depth to the narrative, ensuring that the voices of tribal leaders are not just included but centered in the historical discourse.

The book features twelve tribal leaders, including well-known figures like Birsa Munda and Tantya Bhil, as well as lesser-known heroes such as Tilka Majhi, Tirot Singh, and Rani Roipulliani. Notably, only two of the twelve figures are women, a limitation Dr. Meena attributes to the scarcity of documented evidence on tribal women leaders. He explains that while women played crucial roles in tribal movements, historical records often overlooked their contributions. The book also uncovers fascinating, little-known facts, such as which tribal leader was dubbed the “Robin Hood of India” by The New York Times and the origins of the iconic slogan "Jal, Jungle, Zameen."

Dr. Meena’s research reveals how tribal movements forced the British to seek military assistance from princely states like Mewar, Kota, and Amer, underscoring the intensity of these revolts. The book also explores the story of Gundadhur, after whom the British enacted the infamous "Gunda Act," and other tribal leaders whose strategies and resistance shaped early anti-colonial struggles. These narratives not only highlight the bravery of tribal communities but also their strategic acumen in challenging colonial rule.

Beyond documenting history, "Tribes in Nation-Building" aims to foster a sense of shared identity and pride among tribal communities. By showcasing the contributions of different tribal groups—such as the Bhils, Gonds, and Santhals—the book seeks to bridge gaps between these communities and create a collective consciousness of their historical significance. Dr. Meena hopes that this work will inspire further research into tribal history and encourage younger generations to learn about these unsung heroes.

Meena aims to make efforts for its wide distribution in universities and public libraries to ensure accessibility. Currently available for pre-order on Amazon https://amzn.in/d/73mfdvV, it represents a significant step toward inclusive historiography. Dr. Meena’s work is not just a historical account but a reclamation of tribal identity and a tribute to those who fought tirelessly for India’s freedom yet were erased from its history. By bringing these stories to light,  " Rashtra Nirman Mein Aadiwasi' " challenges readers to rethink India’s past and recognize the indispensable role of tribal communities in shaping the nation.