In News:

The Ramnami tribe of Chhattisgarh recently came into national focus when two members of the community emotionally expressed gratitude after the Prime Minister allowed them to adorn him with their traditional peacock-feather crown, breaking official protocol. This gesture highlighted the tribe’s unique cultural identity and historical struggle for social equality.

Who Are the Ramnamis?

• A distinctive devotional sect from central and northern Chhattisgarh.
• Known for tattooing the word “Ram” across their faces and bodies, symbolising the omnipresence of God.
• Their belief centres on nirgun Ram—the formless, unmanifest divine.

Origin and Historical Background

• Emerged in the late 19th century as a peaceful socio-religious resistance against caste discrimination.
• Traditionally, many Ramnamis were denied access to temples.
• Founder is believed to be Parsuram Bhardwaj, the son of a low-caste sharecropper.
• Tattoos became a form of protest, asserting that God is accessible to all, irrespective of caste hierarchy.

Legal Recognition

• In 1910, upper-caste groups filed a case against the community for tattooing "Ram" on their bodies and garments.
• The Ramnami Samaj won the case, affirming their right to inscribe the divine name on their skin, attire, and homes.

Cultural Features

• Clothing: Plain white garments adorned with repeated inscriptions of “Ram”.
• Headgear: A crown made of peacock feathers, carrying symbolic and mythological significance.
• Music & Rituals:
  • Use of ghungroos during devotional dances and bhajans.
  • Emphasis on simplicity, devotion, and gender equality.
• Devotional Practice: Worship of Ram in any form—saffron robes, shaved head, or tattooed body—reflecting spiritual inclusivity.

Demographic Snapshot

• Historically estimated at ~6 lakh members.
• Numbers have declined significantly; current estimates range between 20,000 to 1,00,000 individuals.