A mere luck you and I were not born a Musahar? What day is it? No luck on that answer as well. They belong to one of the most marginalized groups within the backward castes, not because they should, but were forced to.
Where survival is a daily chore, and food is only an option for a few, Life is circled around such basic amenities. In here life is a choice and not everyone gets a fair chance at it. Welcome to the life of the Musahars. Their name translates to “rat-eaters”. Objectionable enough for someone to even hear or think about it right? Imagine being so underprivilege and poor to be put into a situation where starvation has only one option.
Bihar elections are to take place, and in between the hassle of vote, development, and which party deserves the “Win”, the ‘Musahars’ are waiting for a better luck at life.
The Musahar community resides all over India, but the majority of them live in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. According to Wikipedia, the estimates of this community residing in Bihar is over 3 million.
Employment- A challenge
The community is primarily involved in agricultural labor, casual labor and self-employment (engaging in pig rearing and goat herding). Surviving with a monthly income of Rs.6000 or less, about 80% of them migrate to other places for better opportunities. Lack of formal employment and job security leads to extreme poverty and the life choices they make in terms of food and living.
Women or Child Bride?
Imagine being 12, married and birth a child at the age of 14. Sounds similar to the games we use to play at that age, but is a reality for the Musahar Women. What grieves me even further, is how these small girls are forced to become- women, mothers, caregivers and homemakers at such a tender age. Birthing a child while being one not only ruptures the physical health but also takes a toll on their mental and emotional health.
For children- every day is an off day at school
For most of the musahar families, sending kids to school is not a choice. The numbers tell how most of the families struggle to meet basic needs, prioritizing work over education. How are we supposed to go to school without clothes and access to books says a 7year old. Poverty leads children to often work to support their families from a very young age. The literacy rates are alarmingly low, with less than 10% of men and only 1-3% of women able to read and write. The girls endure additional challenges, including child marriage and limited educational opportunities.
Alcoholism
Where employment couldn’t seep in, alcohol did, destroyed, killed. The unemployment rate being so expectionally low, most women sell alcohol, and sometimes themselves to make end meets.
The data shows widows are in a huge number, as the life expectancy is around 35.Most die around that age due to diseases, malnutrition and alcoholism.
Sometimes Christian
Religion here doesn’t have to be followed because they believe in it, but sometimes so only to feel socially included. Christian missionaries often provide them with basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter which becomes a major incentive for conversion. The missionaries also offer education and healthcare facilities, which are often lacking in these communities. For instance, a Christian missionary school in rohtas district provides free education, food, and shelter to the children from the musahar community, making it an attractive option for families struggling to make ends meet.
YOU MAY THINK HOW IS ALL THIS RELATED TO THE BIHAR ELECTIONS?
The Musahar community in Bihar, comprising approximately 3.1% of the state’s population (around 40 lakh people), faces significant socio-economic challenges, including extreme poverty, caste stigma, and lack of basic amenities like housing and sanitation. Despite their struggles, the community has been able to secure some representation in the Bihar Assembly.
Representation in Bihar Assembly:
- 7 Musahar candidates were elected in the 2020 Assembly elections, including:
- Jitan Ram Manjhi (Imamganj)
- Jyoti Devi (Barachatti)
- Prafull Manjhi (Sikandra)
- Ratnesh Sada (Sonbarsa)
- Achmit Rishidev (Raniganj)
- Krishna Kumar Rishi (Banmankhi)
- Ramvriksh Sada (Alauli)
- The community has a strong presence in certain constituencies, with some seats having a significant Musahar voter base.
Impact on Bihar Elections: - Both major alliances, NDA and INDIA bloc, are vying for Musahar votes, with promises of upliftment and development
- The community’s votes are crucial in several constituencies, particularly in north and south Bihar
- However, despite some representation, the community’s struggles persist, and their voices often go unheard.
Challenges and Demands: - Employment and Economic Empowerment: The community demands more government jobs and economic opportunities to break the cycle of poverty
- Housing and Basic Amenities: Musahars lack access to basic amenities like housing, sanitation, and healthcare
- Social Justice and Equality: The community seeks greater representation and participation in governance and decision-making processes
The Musahar community’s struggle is closely tied to the Bihar elections, with their votes potentially influencing the outcome. However, it remains to be seen whether the elected representatives will address their concerns and work towards their upliftment.
Gratitude doesn’t come until you look at these Wretched lives, barely living off the bits and bobs, still surviving in the largest democracy of the world.
📌 Written, Reviewed and Edited for Clarity & Impact by Sakshi Gupta
