‘Chandala’ a Colonial Wrong: Tanti Samaj Resolves to Fight for Dignity

Tanti Samaj Demands Correction of Caste Name “Chandala” in SC List, Calls for Dignity and Justice.

A general meeting of the Undivided Koraput District Tanti Samaj was held on Sunday at the Ambedkar Study Centre in Koraput, drawing hundreds of members from Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur districts. The gathering was marked by high enthusiasm and a strong call for social, educational, and economic upliftment of the community, along with a united demand for rectifying a long-standing historical injustice.

At the centre of the discussion was the correction of the derogatory caste name “Chandala” in the Scheduled Caste list of Odisha, which the community described as an erroneous and humiliating colonial label. The members unanimously resolved that the word be replaced with a respectful name such as “Adi Utkal,” merged with “Patratanti,” or redefined with a new title reflecting their weaving occupation.

Historical Background of the Error

The Samaj highlighted that the name “Chandala” never represented their real identity. Citing historical works, community leaders explained how the misclassification took root. Edgar Thurston, in his 1909 book “Castes and Tribes of Southern India,” wrote that “Chandala” was not an actual caste but a generic term coined by British census officers to lump together several groups without studying their real social or occupational role.

Similarly, Dr. K.S. Singh, in “The Scheduled Castes of India” (1992), documented how colonial administrators committed such errors, leading to mismatches between caste names and the communities’ real occupations. The Tanti Samaj stressed that, unlike the untouchable label imposed upon them, their people were traditionally weavers, farmers, and labourers who contributed significantly to the region’s economy.

Notably, the famous Kotpad handloom tradition, now internationally recognized as a cultural pride of Koraput, originates from this very community. Yet, due to the persistence of this colonial misnomer in the 1950 Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, generations of the community have suffered humiliation and stigma.

Community’s Demand

The Samaj urged the Odisha Government to emulate examples from other states where derogatory caste names were replaced with respectful ones, such as Namasudra (West Bengal), Adi Dravida (Tamil Nadu), Adi Andhra (Andhra Pradesh), and Adi Karnataka (Karnataka). They argued that similar justice is long overdue for Odisha’s weaving community.

Support from Political Leadership

Koraput MLA Shri Raghuram Machha attended the meeting as Chief Guest and expressed solidarity with the demand. He assured the gathering that he would raise the issue with the state government for immediate corrective action. He further promised to extend support for the construction of a community hall for the Tanti Samaj to encourage social and cultural initiatives.

Future Course of Action

A new Executive Committee was formed to spearhead the movement in the coming months. Members took an oath to continue their struggle in a peaceful and democratic manner. It was unanimously decided that a delegation would soon meet the Chief Minister, the Governor, and ultimately the President of India to submit a memorandum pressing for the removal of the word “Chandala” from the SC list.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, carrying a firm message of unity and a renewed determination to secure dignity, identity, and justice for the community.