Encountering Land Grab: An Ethnographic Journey

This book combines field and archive research to study land grab in West Bengal, India, revealing the experiences of dispossessed peasants and the political processes involved. Ethnography is used as a road map to understand how development policies are made and how they fail.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A widespread phenomenon, the seizure of private land for 'public purposes' through the state's eminent domain has the potential to displace and marginalize local communities. Researchers have primarily approached this issue from either a field or archival perspective. In this book, the author delves into the observable reality of land acquisition for industrial purposes in a specific region of West Bengal State by seamlessly integrating fieldwork and archival research in a distinctive manner. Unlike traditional anthropological ethnographies focused on singular 'tribes' or 'multi-caste villages,' the author's vertical ethnographic journey takes him to encounter dispossessed peasants in villages, delve into the files of the district land acquisition department, peruse the rich textual records of proceedings in the West Bengal Assembly Library, and engage in dialogues with elected members of the parliamentary standing committee in New Delhi. Ethnography serves as the guiding compass for the author's exploration, illuminating the interconnectedness of land acquisition and development policies, their successes and failures, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Introduction:
The acquisition of private land for 'public purposes' through the state's eminent domain is a global phenomenon that has significant implications for local communities. While this practice may be necessary for the development of infrastructure or other public goods, it often leads to the displacement and marginalization of those who have lived on the land for generations. This book aims to explore the observable fact of land grab or acquisition for industries in a particular locale of West Bengal State by combining fieldwork and archival research in a unique manner.

Methodology:
The author embarked on a multi-sited ethnographic 'journey' to investigate the land acquisition process in the region. This involved conducting fieldwork in several villages where land acquisition was taking place, as well as accessing archival records and documents related to the acquisition. The author employed a qualitative research approach, which allowed him to gain a deep understanding of the experiences and perspectives of the people affected by land acquisition.

Findings:
Through his fieldwork, the author observed that land acquisition for industrial purposes was often driven by the pursuit of economic growth and development. However, the process often resulted in the displacement of local communities, who were forced to leave their ancestral lands and livelihoods. The author also noted that the acquisition process was often marked by corruption, with government officials and private developers colluding to secure land at inflated prices.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable insight into the observable fact of land grab or acquisition for industries in a particular locale of West Bengal State. By combining fieldwork and archival research in a unique manner, the author has been able to shed light on the experiences and perspectives of the people affected by land acquisition. The book highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the land acquisition process, as well as the importance of protecting the rights and livelihoods of local communities.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032269306