Ethno-political movements in India are collective efforts by ethnic, tribal and culturally distinct communities to protect their identity, land, resources, political rights and cultural autonomy. Among tribal communities, such movements have often emerged in response to exploitation, displacement, administrative neglect and the loss of traditional rights. They have played an important role in shaping India’s political and administrative arrangements, particularly in the North-East and central tribal regions. The Jharkhand movement is one of the most significant tribal ethno-political movements. It was primarily associated with the tribal communities of the Chotanagpur and Santhal regions, who demanded a separate state based on their distinctive cultural and historical identity. Tribal leaders and organisations argued that the existing administrative system failed to protect tribal land and resources. The movement also opposed exploitation by landlords, moneylenders, contractors and outsiders. The