Exploring the ‘Witch Question’ in Changing Socio‐Economic and Political Context in Selected States in India

Aims & Objectives: This study explored the social phenomenon of witch‐branding, hunting and witch‐craft against the backdrop of changing socio‐political and symbolic meanings, roles and implications under differing socio‐economic circumstances and contradictions in the context of market‐based development in Jharkhand. It looked into the socio‐economic basis of witch accusations and the nature of social and state responses to such accusations. It examined the specific forms of violence involved in witch‐hunting and the manner in which such convictions and practices could be challenged by a growing agency of women in the current politico‐economic milieu.

Methodology:

• The research entailed secondary research, primary field research and data analysis;
• The study was undertaken in the state of Jharkhand where the incidence of witch hunts was reportedly one of the highest;
• The analysis was based on a combination of secondary and primary data, the latter based on a questionnaire (for individual interviews) prepared through consultation with 13 women accused of witch‐hunting;
• It also used participatory methodological tools like focus group discussions and yielded 56 detailed case studies along with the final report that presented research findings;

Findings:

• The research indicated the witch‐related belief systems of the main tribes in the state, namely, the Munda, Oraon and Santhal. These belief systems are important because they provide the ideological basis for justifying witch accusations and witch‐hunts;
• Additionally, the research enumerated the people responsible for the witch‐hunts (such as brother‐in‐law, other immediate family, relatives, neighbours and villagers) and the reasons behind their actions (attempts to seize land and property; old enmities, change of religion, jealousy related to the betterment of the family condition).