Adivasi Land Ownership as a New Symbol of Marginality: Socio-legal Challenges and the Impact of Industrial Mining in Odisha

Land ownership in India is traditionally considered a symbol of social status and prosperity. Nevertheless, for Adivasi communities, the nature of their land seems to play a pivotal role in determining whether land ownership symbolises prosperity or marginality. This study analyses the shifting paradigm wherein Adivasi land ownership is increasingly becoming a symbol of marginality rather than a sign of prosperity and higher social status. The study explores the intricacies of Adivasi land ownership by analysing the tussle between customary laws and statutory laws in regulating Adivasi lands. In this process, the concepts of legality and illegality are framed by the way in which ‘consent’ is produced. Hence, the tussles of Adivasi communities to assert the legitimacy of customary laws and prove their legality involve engaging with legal systems that do not fully recognise their customary land rights. This paradox is producing new meanings for land ownership, traditionally a symbol of prosperity, which is being transformed into a symbol of marginality. Perspectives and empirical data used in this essay are drawn from ethnographic insights collected from the Sundargarh district of Odisha.