Was Lord Ram's Army Made Up of Tribal Warriors and Lord Hanuman an Adivasi?
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Synopsis
In a recent address, Umang Singhar, the Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh, made bold claims about the role of Adivasis in the Ramayana. He emphasized their contributions and defended their cultural identity. This has sparked both support and criticism, reflecting broader discussions on tribal heritage and representation in history.
Key Takeaways
- Lord Hanuman is regarded as an Adivasi by the tribal community.
- Adivasis played a crucial role in the Ramayana.
- Singhar emphasizes the importance of protecting tribal culture and customs.
- His statements have triggered significant debate in Madhya Pradesh.
- The portrayal of Adivasis in history remains a contentious issue.
Bhopal/Sendhwa, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Umang Singhar, reiterated on Thursday that Lord Hanuman is indeed an Adivasi. Speaking at an event in Sendhwa, Singhar referenced mythological tales, asserting that the 'monkey army' in the Ramayana was made up of tribal warriors, highlighting their essential contribution to the epic.
He shared a video on his X account where he stated, 'History confirms that tribals fought alongside Lord Rama in every battle!' He mentioned that the tribal community venerates Hanuman as their forefather and has temples and priests in every village. 'We are not weak; our rich traditions, unique identity, and the strength of the bow and arrow define us. We will protect our culture and customs fiercely and will not compromise the dignity of our tribal community.'
In the video, he criticized the BJP and RSS for attempting to convert tribals to Hinduism, neglecting their unique culture.
Singhar emphasized that Adivasis embrace their own traditions, which include the worship of the sun, cows, and crops.
He declared, 'Anyone residing in Hindustan is a Hindustani, but we also identify as Adivasis. We are strong, proud of our traditions, identity, and the strength of the bow and arrow.'
He cautioned against any interference in tribal customs, vowing to uphold their honor.
Reflecting on history and mythology, he stated, 'Adivasis participated in every battle alongside Lord Ram! The tribal community regards Lord Hanuman as their ancestor; we have temples and priests in every village.'
He attributed Lord Ram's victory to the Adivasis, claiming that storytellers misrepresented them as monkeys to diminish their contributions. This isn't the first time Singhar has made such statements.
In June 2023, during the 123rd death anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda in Bagh, Dhar district, he voiced similar thoughts, asserting that Adivasis helped Lord Ram reach Lanka but were misrepresented in historical accounts. His remarks have ignited discussions, with supporters praising them as a defense of tribal heritage, while critics, particularly from the BJP, might view them as divisive.
As Madhya Pradesh navigates cultural and political challenges, Singhar's statements highlight ongoing debates regarding identity, religion, and history in the state.
Point of View
Umang Singhar's statements open up significant discussions on the representation of tribal communities in historical narratives. While his claims resonate with many in the tribal community, they also invite scrutiny and critique, particularly from political opponents. These discussions highlight the complex interplay of culture, religion, and identity in contemporary India.
NationPress
23/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Umang Singhar assert about Lord Hanuman?
Umang Singhar asserted that Lord Hanuman is an Adivasi and emphasized the significant role of tribal warriors in Lord Ram's army.
How did Singhar describe the tribal community's traditions?
He described the tribal community as having rich traditions, unique identities, and a strong cultural heritage that includes the worship of the sun, cows, and crops.
What was the reaction to Singhar's statements?
His statements sparked debate, with supporters defending tribal heritage, while critics from the BJP viewed them as divisive.
What historical context did Singhar provide?
He claimed that Adivasis were present in every battle alongside Lord Ram and were misrepresented in historical narratives.
What is the broader significance of Singhar's remarks?
His remarks highlight ongoing discussions about identity, culture, and the representation of tribal communities in Indian history.
