Role of Education in Socio-Economic Development of Santhal Women in

Kokrajhar District of Assam, India

Bibha Rani Nath¹

Associate Professor, Department of Education
¹Janata College, P.O. Serfanguri, Dist. Kokrajhar, Pin-783346, BTAD, Assam, INDIA
Email: bibhanath729@gmail.com
Dr Rajendra Kumar Dash2
Associate Professor, Department of Basic Sciences & Humanities,
Rajam, Vijaynagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email: dash.rk@gmrit.edu.in
Dr Poonam Nigam Sahay3
Associate Professor, University Department of English,
Ranchi University, Jharkand, India
Email: prof.pnsahay@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
This paper studied the role of education in women development in the social change of
Santhal women with special reference to the socio-economic condition of the Kokrajhar
district of Assam. The objective of this paper was to study the role of education in social
changes in relation to the occupation, income and educational level of Santhal women in
Kokrajhar district of Assam. Two variables were taken for the study. One was a discrete
variable and another was a continuous variable.110 married women were selected for the
sample of study from selected villages. Data were collected from two sources. One was the
primary and another was the secondary sources. A structural interview schedule was made for
knowing the information from the Headman/Gaonburah of the village and interviews were
based on the focused group, the married women. Beside this Observation Method was
followed. Again Mixed Method of the questionnaire was framed. Some questions were
framed based on the Likert model. Analysis was done based on objective, results and
observation.
Keywords: Women development; Social change; Socio-economic condition; Santhal women
Introduction
Education has the most prominent place for the development of society. It is a lifelong
process of growth that includes whole types of growth of the organism e.i physical, mental,
psychological, intellectual and sociological aspect. With the help of long process of training
and education a man is emotionally stable, culturally refined, and earn mental alertness
physical strength, social and economical boldness, morally upright and independent..
Educational, social, economical, infrastructural, agricultural developments and development
of health help the society in different ways. The education not only impacts on human
development and economic growth but also helps in the fundamental requirements. It can
change the standard of living of the people based on the socio-economic condition of the
people. Change can be expected if more numbers of people are benefitted from education. In
India, more numbers of people are living below the poverty line. The socio-economic
development of a country depends upon the income level, occupation, education level of the
people including the women group. Change can be found out if the importance is given to
education from the bottom level to the upper level of women sections.
Women development
Education is the most significant instrument for changing women position in society. The
selective moments presented to man and woman by the creator is equal rights to both man
and women.. Therefore there must be an equal partnership between men and women in
respect for human dignity and must permeate all developmental activities. Swami
Vivekananda had said," As a bird cannot fly on one wing, no society can progress unless its
woman joins men in all activities." Women education is felt at present great importance to
stand in the society by leading a family, village, state and nation. (Sharma, D.F and
Sahidullah, T.F, 2013)
The developments of a society depend upon the development of women also. There is a
significant relationship between development and education. Literacy can benefit both
communities and individuals. It is an important indicator for a decent living. In the census of
1951, the rate of women literacy was only 8.86 but it rises to 65.46 according to the 2011
census report (Sharma,D.F and Sahidullah,T.F 2013). This rising literacy helps society in
changing consciousness for education. A man is illiterate who cannot read and write and
cannot understand reading and writing for the development of a community. (UNESCO,1978,
p.183)
Social change
According to Chambers 21st Century Dictionary social change is when the structure of the
society, mechanisms are altered due to interaction with the cultural changes of a society
(Robinson, M. and Davidson, G.1996). Change can be possible by the process of education
with the contact of social interaction.
Change is ever-present in the world because change is the law of nature. It is not a static
phenomenon. Social change has been occurring in all societies and at all times from the
beginning. Society is influenced by many factors and influenced by forces that cause the
changes in society. There is a positive relationship between education and social change of
the society again there is a relation of a village economy and social change. Change always
depends on mainly two things they are education and economy of a village.
Socio-economic conditions related to the occupation of rural people
Rural people means a group of people who have been residing permanently within a definite
geographic location and having a progressing or develop a particular community. They are
conscious about economic and social relations and compel to feel that rural communities are
different from other communities (Rao, S.C.N 2006.p.175). Rural communities have become
carrying a natural character in human life.
Advancement and disadvancement of a country depend upon financial inclusion because it is
the key element that is combating the poverty and income inequality of developing countries
(Omar, Md Abdullah and Inaba, Kazuw (2020). The economic condition of rural people has
no very simple complexity. Agriculture is the backbone of rural community and progress of
people depend upon on that occupation. Agriculture is generally associated with home
industries and basic crafts. Mat making, brick making, carpentry, fishing, animal husbandry,
soil grinding, tailoring, toy making, and road making along, with agriculture.
Brief history of Santhal Tribe
At first Santals have settled in the district Birhum between 1790 to1810 and got their way to
Northwards from Birhum where they are brought in 1790 to clear the jungle and drive out the
wild beast. The exact date cannot be known in which date immigrants came but the
unpublished manuscript of Buchanan Hamilton shows that number of people settled in the
Dumka sub-division by 1809. There was another influence that Santals yearning for
independence and lords for recognition as lord of the soil.
The word Santal comes from the original Sanskrit word Sant' and 'Saont' (Sant, Saont, Saot
and Sat) are derived from the common Aryan phonetics laws. The meaning of this word is
boarder man. ('Malley, LSSO.1910)
From the British period demographic ethnic and socio-economic conditions were brought up
in a colonial involvement which is transformed by the British Government. More people were
brought up by the British Government to work in the tea plantation, oil fields, coal as well as
for building construction and road making. As result immigrants were gradually settled in
different parts of the country by the British Government. At that time a large number of
people came from Nepal, Bangladesh and different parts of India such as Bengalis, Marwaris
and some tribal people like Santhal, Oraons and Mundas who settled down in the
Brahmaputra Valley of fertile plain land. The total Santhal population is 7.4 million in India
and Bangladesh and Nepal.
There was the conflict between the immigrant group such as the Santhals in Assam with the
original inhabitants for an acquaintance of government official, settled in lands where there is
ambivalence about their rights to settle "Tribal" blocks or reserved forest has made their
residency right suspect in the eyes of some Bodo activist supporting their demand to draw the
attention of Indian Government. They attacked the Santhals two times in 1996 and 1998
studied by (Baruah, S. 2003). As a result, most of the Santhals left their villages and are
living in the relief camps. More than 1, 30,067 Santhals have left their houses and lived in the
relief camps in the year 2006.
The Santals were the inhabitants of pre-Dravidian people three centuries ago. The majority of
the Santhal people i.e. 5.5 per cent resided in West Bengal mentioned by (Sarkar,A.K and
Sinha,S.2019). Santhal people are spreading significantly in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
The population, language and religion of Santhal people in India are given below:
Name of the States Santhal population Spoken Languages Religion
Jharkhand 2,752,723
West Bengal 2,512,331
Odisha 8,94,764 Santali, Assamese, Hindi, Hinduism,
Bihar 4,06,076 Bengali, Odisi and Nepali Christianity
Assam 2,13,139
Sattishgarh 17,862
Bangladesh 3,00,061
Nepal 42,69
.en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/santal-people
Statement of the problem
In the Kokrajhar district, Santhal people are not developed in the education sector. The
demographic consequences of war violence include refugees and internally displaced
populations increased mortality and changes in fertility and family structure. Women and
girls are suffering from health complications due to their economic condition and illiteracy.
Due to illiteracy they cannot guide their children properly and give them education. Due to
lack of education, the parents are not conscious of their children. They are habituated with
fishing, searching firewood, daily wages and working in tea gardens. Due to lack of
education developments are not seen in the economic and health sectors significantly. During
the period of 1996- 1997 and then after also they are victimised by the extremist as a result
they are leaving houses and have been living in the camp for many years as refugees. Some
people who were agriculturally rich but at present they are working as labour in their own
land. Due to the reason they have gone back in respect of socio-economic conditions in
comparison to other groups of people in the district. In this respect annual income,
educational level and occupational level have been influencing in women's education in the
change of society in the development of women education.
Scope of Study
Some selected villages of the Kokrajhar District are considered for the study area. Kokrajhar
district is situated in the west part of Assam. It is the autonomous territory in Assam named
as Bodoland Territorial Region. Assam is one of the North eastern states of India. It covers
the area 3165.44 sq.Km. There are 9 revenue circles and 2 statutory Towns, 2 census Towns
and total numbers of villages are 1068 including Santhal villages (Census2011)
The objective of the study
To study the role of education in social changes in relation to occupation and education of
Santhal women in Kokrajhar District, Assam
Hypothesis
There is no significant role of education in social changes, in occupation, education and
income level of Santhal women in the Kokrajhar district.
Research questions:
i. What is your occupation? (Put tick mark)
Agriculture/ Tea garden/ Daily wages/ Fishing/hunting/ service/making wine.
ii. What is your education? (Put tick mark)
Not going school/Class I to II/ Class III to V but not completed/Primary pass/Class VI to
class VII/Class VIII to Class X/HSLC or 10th passed
iii. What is your annual income? (Put tick mark)
 Below 20,000 /Below 40,000/Below 60,000/Below 80,000/Below 1, 00,000
Related literature
Related literature is essential for any research work it allows the researcher to acquaint with current
knowledge in the field of the concerned research area.
Studies in North East region
Lollen, Mary (2005) has studied the changing village economy of the Galo tribe dwelled in Zirdin
Village of west Sisan district in Arunachal Pradesh. The survey about their village economy has
conducted on 600 population and 70 households. There is a relation of a village economy and
social change.
Studies conducted at the national level
Bihan, B.K (2011) carried out a study about social change among the Jaunsari Tribe of
Dehradun (Uttrakhand) with 400 respondents. The study revealed that the tribe is accepting
change, especially in marriage and religion. In the case of marriage, it is 395 respondents.
Out of 400 are not agreeing with their ancestral believed polygamy marriage.
Solata (2011) carried out a study about the impact of education in the social change of Tharu
tribe Women of Dam Sing Nagar district of Uttaranchal. The study is conducted on 200
samples. The researcher has found that there is a positive relationship between education and
social change. Due to the influence of education Tharu women were able to emancipate
themselves and orthodoxy.
Studies conducted at the international level
Sarkar, Md.A.Razzaque (2014) researched the livelihood of Santhals in the context of
Declining CPR in Dinajpur, Institute of Governance Studies BRAC University,Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
Research Methodology
This chapter consists of the research method, design of the study, population, sample,
sampling procedure, description of research tools used for data collection, sources of data
collection, and statistical treatment applied for analysis of the data and the area chosen for the
study. In the present study, the descriptive field survey method of research has been
considered for getting the objectives. The main purpose of descriptive research is to establish
the current status of the phenomenon under investigation. In this research quality and quantity
research methods are applied which is based on observation of researcher, interview with
focus groups, questionnaire, ethnographical studies, phenomenological analysis and grounded
theory for understanding the social reality. With the help of this method, the investigator
attempts to describe and interpret what exists in the present conditions .Two variables are
taken, one is discrete variable or continuous variable. In statistics quantitative variable is
discrete variable that can be countable.
Sample of the study
110 Santhal women are considered as a sample of study from selected villages. Here 55 from
literate group and 55 from illiterate group of married women. The selected villages are as
follows:
Table No. 1

Name of villages Number of married women 30% of total population

Bismuri area including 50 15
three villages(Kokrajhar block)
Kachiguri(Kokrajhar block) 35 11
Dawlaguri (Kokrajhar block) 49 14
Gossaigaon including four 80 24
villages(Gossaigaon block)
Kachugaon (Kachugaon block) 60 20
Garuphela (Gossaigaon block) 34 11
Sialmari(serfanguri)area,Dotma 50 15
block
Total=110

Figure No.1

80
80

60
60
50 49 50

40 35 34
24
20
20 15 14 15
11 11
Number of Married Women
0 30% of Total Population
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Research Tools used for Data collection

The selection of research tools to be used for data collection plays an important role in any
research. There are some tools and techniques for data collection in research that may differ
in their complexity, design, administration and interpretation. Following tools have been
used.
i. Questionnaire
ii. Interview and
iii. Observation method
For the present study mixed method questionnaire method is used and a personal interview
method has been used for collecting data depending upon the objective of the study of the
focused group. Besides these, a structural interview was taken with the headman of the
village and personal observation is also done. During the data collection the Santhal people
share their life experience that includes phenomenological analysis of researchers and culture
habit, religion that includes ethnography of a particular group.
Sources of Data
Data have been taken from two types of following sources.
i. Primary sources
ii. Secondary sources
i. Primary sources:
Data are collected from the focused group interview and questionnaire method. Observation
is done when the researcher visits the villages to know about their economic and health
condition and the social status of the Santhal women based on the book of (Bhattacherjee,
Anol 2012).
ii. Secondary sources:
Secondary data for the present study have been collecting from the following Sources-
i. K.K. Handique Library, Gauhati University, Assam
ii. Shoodh Ganga, Inflibnet.
iii. Books, iv. Journals, v. Internet etc

Statistical technique used

In the present study, data have been analyzed representing on the following methods.
i. Chi-square test
ii. Graph
iii. Percentage
Analysis and interpretation of results
After tabulation of data, the preliminary analysis is done according to the objective with the
help of the present collected data.
Objective: To study the occupation, education and income level of the Santhal women of the
selected villages of Kokrajhar district.
1 (a) Occupation of married women
Figure no. 2

30 27
25
23
25
19
Agriculture
20
Tea Garden
15 Daily Wages
Fishing/ Hunting
10 Service
5 Making Wine
4
5 2 2 2
0 1 0
0
Illiterate (fo) Literate (fe)

Table No. 2

Agricultu
Tea Daily Fishing/ Service Making Total
re garden wages hunting wine
Illiterate (fo) 27(49.09)
19(34.54 2(3.63) 2(3.63) - 5(9.09) 55
)
Literate (fe) 25(45.45) 23(41.81 2(3.63) 1(1.81) - 4(7.27) 55
)
(fo-fe) 2 4 0 1 - 1 110
(fo-fe) 2 4 16 0 1 - 1
(fo-fe) 2/fe 4/25 16/23 0 1 - 1/4
.16 .69 0 1 - .25
Summation of frequencies = 2.1
x² = 2.1

df = (r-1 ) (c-1) df = Degree of Freedom

= (2-1) (6-1) Here fe = Frequency of Literate
=5 fo = frequency of Illiterate
The table value is 11.070 at 05 levels and 15.086 levels at 01 level when df is 5. If the
calculated value x2 is less than the p-value), null hypothesis Ho will be accepted.
As x² = 2.1 (p>05) df = 5 so the null hypothesis is accepted and it can be said that there is no
significant role of education of illiterate and literate married women in the change of society
of Santhal women in relation to occupational level in Kokrajhar district.
Education plays an important role in respect of the standard of life. Occupation of Santhal
women who have been living in the forest villages, based on the fishing, firewood searching,
and tea garden. From table no. 1 and figure no1. The responses have been found in respect of
agriculture 27(49.09) from illiterate group and from the literate group 25 (45.45) of married
women. Out of 55 illiterate women and 19(34.54) women have been working in the tea
garden and out of 55 literate women group and 23 (41.81) from illiterate group. Responses
have been found in respect of daily wages from literate group 2(3.63) and from illiterate
group also 2(3.63). Again from the illiterate women group, responses have been found
2(3.63) in respect of fishing and hunting and from the literate group1 (1.81) is found. There is
no service woman from the illiterate group and the literate group. Responses have been found
in respect of making wine from the married women of illiterate group 5(9.09) and 4 (7.27)
from a literate group out of 55 responses.
1.(b) Education of the married Santhal women

Figure No. 3

Educational level of Santhal married women

25
23 23
20
20
17
15
15

10
7 7
6
5 5
5 4
3
2
1
0
Sl No. fo

Not going school Class I-II Class III-V but not completed
Primary Passed Class V-VII Class VIII - X
HSLC/ 10th Passed
 Table no. 3 (Total married women 110)

Not Class Class III - Primary Class Class HSLC/

going I- II V passed V - VII VIII -X 10th Tota
school but not Passed l
completed
S.No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
fo 23 15 17 23 20 7 5 110
(20.90 (13%) (15.45%) (20.90%) (18.18%) (6.36% (4.54%)
) )
fe 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71 15.71
fo-fe 7.29 -.71 1.29 7.29 4.29 -8.71 -10.71
(fo-fe)2 53.14 .50 1.74 53.14 18.40 75.86 114.70
(fo- 3.38 0.03 0.11 3.38 1.17 4.82 7.30
fe)2/fe
Summation of frequencies = 20.19
x² = 20.19

df=(r-1)(c-1)
(2-1)(7-1)
df=6
The table value is 12.592 at 05 levels and 16.812 levels at 01 level when df is 6. If calculated
value x² is less than the p value, null hypothesis Ho will be accepted.
As x²= 20.19 (p<05) df=6. So the null hypothesis is rejected and it can be said that there is
significant importance of education in the change of society. Those women who have passed
primary school have no quality concept about the education.
From table no.3 and figure no.3 it is revealed that out of 110 married women 23(20.90%)
have found not going school 15 (13%) studied up to class I to II, 17(15.45%) studied up to
class III to V.
23 (20.90%) found as primary passed, 20 (18.18%) studied in class V to VII, 7 (6.36%)
studied in class VII to X and only 5(4.54%) passed HSLC/10 th passed. Santhal women of
concerned villages cannot think about compulsory education due to the poor socio-economic
condition on the society. From the interview of Santhal people it has been known that many
years children are not regular in attending the schools. There are students who tried to come
to the school were not benefitted by the quality education.
1. (c) Annual income of the married Santhal women

Figure No.4

30
30

25 21
16 17 Below 20,000
20 15 Below 40,000
15 Below 60,000
9
10 Below 80,000
2 Below 1,00,000
5 0 0 0
0
Illiterate (fo) Literate (fe)

Table No. 4 (Total married women 110)

Type Below Below Below Below Below Total

20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 1,00,000
Illiterate(fo) 30(54.54) 16(29.09) 9(9.00) - - 55
Litterate(fe) 21(38.18) 15(27.27) 17(30.90) 2(3.63) - 55
(fo-fe) 9 1 8 2 -
(fo-fe)2 81 1 64 4 -
(fo-fe)2/fe 81/21 1/15 64/17 4/2
3.85 .06 3.76 2

Summation of (fo-fe)2/fe = 9.67

From Table No. 4 and Figure No 4 it is seen that the table value is 11.070 at 05 levels and
15.086 levels at 01 level when df is 5.
If calculated value x² is less than the p value), null hypothesis Ho will be accepted.
As x²= 9.67 (p>05) df=5. So the null hypothesis is accepted and it can be said that there is no
Significant role of education of illiterate and literate married women in the change of society
of Santhal women in related to annual income level in the Kokrajhar district. From the above
table it has been revealed that out of 55 illiterate women 30(54.54) responses have been
found below 20,000, responses have been found 16(29.09) in respect of below 40,000,
responses have been found 9(9.00). In respect of 60,000Rs responses have not been found in
case of 80,000 and 1, 00,000. Again from 55 literate women 21(38.18) responses were found
below 20,000, responses have been found 15(27.27) in respect of below 40,000, responses
have been found 17(30.90). In respect of 60,000 and responses have been found 2(3.63) in
case of 80,000 again below 1, 00,000 no responses have been found. It is important that
women’s annual income is not different from men which can be known from the interview
with the women. The income is so less that they cannot think about good education and
healthy life style.
5. Discussion
1. (a) Santhal mothers are based on agriculture, animal husbandry, daily wage
worker in the tea gardens, road making, fishing/firewood searching and making wine for their
lively hood. The responses have been showing the low style of living of Santhal married
women in relation to occupation. Santhal married women equally responsible with husband
in doing agriculture, fishing, and firewood searching in household maintaining. Cow, pig,
goat, duck, hen are pet animals of Santhal man. Making wine is another occupation of
Santhal women and is also seen in Santhal villages mentioned in the book (Mathur, N. 2021,
pp no.154). The standard of living is so poor that the women want to prepare wine and sell
them in the market. Poverty is related to occupation. A good plan is very necessary to reduce
the poverty of the people.
1. (b) Santhal women of the concerned villages cannot think about compulsory
education due to the poor socio-economic conditions of the society. It is not only a barrier for
Santhal society; it is a barrier for the country in way of progress. Illiteracy is linked with
poverty which causes inequality in society.
1. (c) In respect of annual income there is no any significant role seen on education
in the change of income level of Santhali women. Comparatively Santhali women are so poor
and simple in respect of lively hood related to education, income level and occupation that
time will take to bring the change. Inequality is seen in respect of income level also. The idea
of income inequality is seen from the book written by (Norries, Era Dabla and et al (2015)
Conclusion
For reducing the poverty of the people government should support economically,
Educationally and an awareness programme is very important for the development of Educa -
tion and giving security by imparting proper education to the women section also.
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