Abstract
The relationship between religion and politics has long been a subject of scholarly inquiry, with various theoretical frameworks seeking to interpret its complex dynamics. Gramsci offers a particularly insightful perspective by conceiving religion not merely as a realm of spiritual belief but as a political resource. Through Gramsci’s lens, religious practices and beliefs have been viewed as instruments of power and resistance within broader socio-political contexts. This paper explores the political consciousness of Sarna, an indigenous religion practiced by Adivasi communities in states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal within the framework of Gramscian thought. By examining how Sarna, deeply entrenched in nature worship and ancestor veneration, shapes the political consciousness of Adivasis in these regions, this paper uncovers its role as a catalyst for social and political change.
Presenters
Kumari NayakAssistant Professor, Social Anthropology, Center for Studies in Social Sciences Calcutta, West Bengal, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Political Consciousness, Adivasis, Sarna, Religious Identity
