AFRICAN SIDDI TRIBE
AFRICAN SIDDI TRIBE
ONCE LOST TRIBE NOW INDIAN
LIVE IN KARWAR, SASANGIR,.….
SARASIJ MAJUMDER
The Siddis of Karnataka (Kannada: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಸಿದ್ಧಿಗಳು) (also spelled Siddhis) are an ethnic group inhabiting India. Members are descended from Bantu Peoples from Southeast Africa who were brought to the Indian subcontinent as slaves by Portuguese merchants and Arab traders. There is a 80,000 strong Siddi population across India, of which more than a third live in Karnataka. A large amount stays in Gujarat also, mainly in SASANGIR.
A large number of the Siddis in Karnataka follow Hinduism. A
significant number follow Islam and
Christianity.
SIDDIS stay in GIR,
GUJARAT, adjacent to forest—are living alongside Lions.
Siddis, who have a heritage going back almost 800 years and
have been living in India for decades, are among the country’s forgotten and
marginalised communities. This otherwise tribal community suffers from many
challenges, from poverty, unemployment, to illiteracy. Above all this, there is
an added layer of challenge: the colour of their skin has unacceptability in
the society.
Sasan Gir Safari, one of the most incredible wildlife
experiences in India, is looked after by the members of the Siddi community.
The members work as tour guides, drivers, etc., and help tourists become
interested in wildlife.
Imran, Forest Guide, Gir National Park, talked about his
journey as a guide.
“I took up the job of being a guard because we live inside
the Gir forest, and living inside the forest, we must also work for the forest.
We know exactly how many rivers and animals are there in this jungle, we know
everything closely”.
The Siddis still live inside the forest and rely primarily
on nature for sustenance. Living conditions have improved both inside and
outside the forest with various schemes and grants provided by the Government
under ethnic group rehabilitation programmes. However, education and
opportunities are inadequate for this marginalised ethnic group. Sohail
Satarbhai Makva discussed another challenge that the community faces: – lack of
education.
“We are not educated, but we know what a crucial role it
plays in making and shaping the livelihood for the whole family. Our ancestors
came years ago; things have changed, but education is still a challenge for the
community. If we can ensure education for the upcoming generation, it will
solve the challenges for the community as a whole,” he said.
Sohil Majgul, President, Nagarchi Pir Dargah, and President,
Siddi Samaj, Jambur, talked about the challenges of employment and education
despite the government schemes. He said that the community faces financial
constraints due to a lack of education.
“Only if we are educated, will we get the jobs. Only then
can we deal with our financial troubles. There are several scholarships
available, but nothing is really coming to the rescue. Getting an education is
still a challenge, and it is connected with other problems. All I want for the
community is to have access to proper education.”
Despite many challenges, the Siddi community excels in
sports. So much so that in the late 1980s, under the government’s Special Area
Games scheme, it was believed that the Siddis’ genetic advantage made them
naturally gifted runners.
They are referred to as the ‘lost tribe
of Africa’ and due to this tag, they have faced a lot of discrimination.
Hiriyaru worship:
The one factor which binds the Siddhis, irrespective of their religion is the Hiriyaru or ancestor worship. The dead are believed to be nearby, in the form of spirits. They are regarded as witnesses to be consulted by a family in all its concerns. On occasions like births, marriages and deaths, the ancestors are invoked. The home is organised around Hiriyaru, the spirits of departed parents. It signifies a remembrance of the parents, thanking them for their care over several years and also entreating them to keep a vigil over the family in future. It is obligatory for all relatives to attend the function, thus renewing kinship relations.
Hiriyaru worship may be performed twice a year by the
'Kartha'(head) of the family. It normally is held during the Navaratri festival
in the first week of November. If this is not possible for some reason, it may
also be performed in April–May during the other major festival - Holi. These obviously
are not meant to coincide with the dates of the parents' deaths as the Siddis
only observe the first death anniversary. Hindu Siddhis usually have elaborate
functions to mark the event, but not so the Christian and Muslim Siddhis.
Siddis mainly speak Konkani,
the native language of Goa which belongs to the Indo-Aryan family. Some also speak other
languages, such as Kannada and Marath
GAMES AND SPORTS
This tribe came into limelight in 1987, when the government
thought they can use these people. Since, many Africans are genetically
good in athletics, they decided to set up “The Special India Games”
particularly for this tribe. So that they can get proper training and
could bag for the country a few medals.
This tribe showed a lot of enthusiasm and patriotism in this
project. They really wanted to prove their love for their country, India. Both
the genders took part in it.
And many performed with their heart, in the state levels and
national levels.
Like, Kamala Babu Siddi, a 15 year old, won the
National record in Junior Girls Pentathlon.
But how many of us even know she exists even after her
retirement?
Everything was going well and the program was running well
but here comes the sad part: In 1993, the kids were given a letter that the
programme is closed, and they can go back to their home.
And they again lost their identity, they thought
they were slowly gaining.
But they still haven't lost hope. They are still,
practising, in a hope that they'll represent their country someday, and
will actually win.
In Oct 2021, the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG)
shortlisted 48 men and 38 women of the community for the run-up to the 2024
Paris Olympics. These candidates will be given training and have the
opportunity to nurture their sporting talent across field.
The SIDDIS are now divided into Hindus, Muslims, and
Christians--- as a result of divisive practices of MULLAHS, and FADRIS active
in INDIA. I suggest—all Hindu SIDDIS shall be given ST status, and non-Hindus
may be given the same, if they convert to Hinduism.
Christians, and Muslims get financial support from their
religious bodies, and hence need not be considered any GOI benefit as ST.
This tribe really needs their proper rights, and
should get equal treatment the way you and I are treated.
References:
1.0 Shah, Anish M.; et al. (15 July 2011). "Indian Siddis: African Descendants with Indian Admixture". American Journal of Human Genetics. 89 (1)
IMAGE:- WIKI
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