Narratives from the Margins: Aspects of Adivasi History in India

Historians have studied adivasis principally in the context of rebellion, environmental history and the politics of identity. However, preoccupations with definitions and notions of identity, while important in themselves, tend to shift attention away from the inner lives of these communities. This book deals with different aspects of the histories of adivasi communities of the central belt of India – from Rajasthan in the west to Bengal and Orissa in the east. The editors have brought together essays which discuss a range of issues affecting the socio-economic and cultural life of adivasis and explore the long term continuities and discontinuities between different political regimes. The book thus reflects some of their concerns relating to methodology and sources, historiography, the impact of colonialism, gender issues, the agrarian situation, famines and migration. The book will be of use to students and scholars of history, anthropology and sociology and also to policy-planners concerned with ‘tribal’ issues.