Author Description

Land has been and continues to be the most significant asset, as well as identity, for tribal communities. Tribal survival and sustenance is inseparable from the land. This book is an outcome of the author's experience of working with the Adivasi, the collective term for the indigenous peoples of mainland South Asia, and the groups involved in fighting for restoration of their land. Palla Trinadha Rao's experience in tribal land issues involved both legal and administrative interventions to seek restoration of alienated tribal lands from non-tribal intruders in the scheduled areas of Andhra and Telangana. Providing greater insights to analyze the complexities of tribal land issues, this book highlights the nexus between the non-tribal entrants to tribal areas, the political parties, and the state which has been party to land alienation among the tribals. Serious investigation and evidence reveals the role of political parties-generally interested in consolidating their vote banks in tribal areas-in pushing progressive land legislations on the one hand, and pulling back the executive forces to ensure non-implementation on the other. This book further examines the historical evolution of the protective land laws and the forest laws in the light of the outcome of legal proceedings initiated against non-tribal occupants for restoration of lands, and the role of the judiciary in dispensation of justice. This volume will generate meaningful debate on tribal land issues, and it will improve access to land in the Scheduled Areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. [Subject: India Studies, Anthropology, Development Studies]