Published Paper Details:

The Kudmali language, spoken by the Kudmi people of the Chotanagpur Plateau region, has experienced a significant revival from its previously declining status. Kudmali serves not only as a means of communication for the Kudmi community but also as a vital symbol of their cultural identity. Confined primarily to the states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, the language has suffered degeneration and historical marginalization. It faces the threat of extinction, with its status ranging from "vulnerable" to "definitely endangered" on the UNESCO language endangerment scale. The decline can be attributed to socio-economic pressures, state language policies, and the dominance of major regional languages such as Hindi, Bengali, and Odia. Historically classified as a tribe, animist, and aboriginal under British rule, the Kudmi community was excluded from the Scheduled Tribe list after independence, fueling the movement to reclaim their tribal status and cultural and linguistic heritage. The revival of the Kudmali language is intertwined with the demand for ST status and its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Activists have sought to preserve and establish Kudmali as a mainstream language through various initiatives, including protests like Rail Roko, deputations, blockades, educational programs, cultural festivals, book publishing, and the release of music, videos, and documentaries. Although the Kudmis have not regained their ST status, Kudmali has been recognized as a second language in West Bengal by the state government and has been included in various universities in Jharkhand and West Bengal. This article explores how the Kudmali language is strategically employed as a tool to assert cultural identity, demand recognition of tribal status, and mobilize for socio-economic and political empowerment.