Who Were the Indigenous People of India: Dravidians or Adivasis?

India is a vast and diverse country with a rich history filled with both myths and facts. When discussing its indigenous people, the terms 'Dravidians' and 'Adivasis' often come up, but the answer is not so simple. This article aims to clarify the complexities surrounding these terms and provide a comprehensive overview of the indigenous people of India.

Origins and Early Civilizations

The history of India's indigenous people is complex and embroiled with conjecture. While some archeologists argue that the Dravidians were the indigenous people of the region, the term itself is misleading. For one, people living in the region prior to European influence were collectively called Dravidian, but this was not a term used by those people. Additionally, the land was infiltrated by numerous races, outnumbering the local people.

Indus Valley Civilisation

The Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the oldest, dating back to 5500 BCE. Markings in Aadhicha Nallur, Tamil Nadu, have been dated to as early as 900 BCE, and investigations at Keezhadi have pushed the timeline to 500 BCE. However, these findings are still incomplete, and evaluations are far from conclusive.

European Influence and Archaeological Theories

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European archaeologists labeled this civilisation as Dravidian and proposed the theory that the Aryans, who they believed were European ancestors from the Central Asian Steppe, invaded India around 1500 BCE, bringing with them the Bronze Age and the Vedic civilization. Robert Caldwell, an early colonial Indologist, first used the term 'Dravidian' as a philological grouping of southern Indian languages, and it was then extended to ethnographic studies without implying a separate race.

Colonial Ideologies and Misrepresentation

The colonial policy of 'divide and rule' further fueled the debate. Indigenous people, referred to as 'Dravidian aboriginals,' were portrayed as primitive savages incapable of civilization. This notion was used to justify the colonial rule and was supported by misinterpretations of verses from the Vedas. It's essential to note that these theories are now conclusively proved wrong and based on pseudosciences to justify and perpetuate colonial rule.

Modern Day Understanding

Today, the term 'Adivasis' is more relevant. Adivasis refer to the original tribal communities of India, often living in isolation or on the fringes of larger societies. These communities have a rich cultural heritage and significant historical contributions. Archeological sites at Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Kandahar, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have all provided evidence of the presence of ancient Adivasi communities.

Contemporary Debates

Meanwhile, many Tamil radicals claim that 'Dravidian' identity is synonymous with Tamil, which is a complex and contentious issue. It is essential to stop hyping these debates and wait for experts to rationalize the findings and reach a more accurate conclusion. The indigenous people of India are a diverse and ancient group, and their contributions to the cultural and historical fabric of the region are significant, but they are often misunderstood or misrepresented.

In conclusion, while the term 'Dravidian' has historical significance, it is not an accurate term for the indigenous people of India. The term 'Adivasis' is more appropriate and represents the original tribal communities that have lived in the region for thousands of years. Further research and scholarly insights are necessary to understand and appreciate the true heritage of India's indigenous people.