Regime of Marginalisation and Sites of Protest: Understanding the Adivasi Movement in Odisha, India

Abstract

The era of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation has been experienced differently by the various parties concerned. This brings hope for the state and corporate sector and despair for the Indigenous people of India, commonly referred to as Adivasis and formally identified as ``Scheduled Tribes{''} by the Indian government. The state of Odisha signed 42 memoranda of understandings with multinational companies between 2002 and 2005, allowing the latter to exploit the natural resources of the Adivasis regions in that state. This has not only challenged an important means of their livelihood but is also leading to the erosion of the Adivasi culture, values and traditions in Odisha. The intrusion has created resentment and disenchantment among the vulnerable Adivasis communities. As a consequence, the Adivasis of the scheduled areas in Odisha have launched forms of resistance in their struggle to retain their ancestral rights over jal (jungle) and jamin (land, water and forests). Within this backdrop, this chapter explores the Adivasis movement in scheduled areas of Odisha.