The Rhetoric of Development and Resistance by Tribal Women in Kashipur

In the post-Independence era, development has been one of the key goals of the Indian state. Development is often seen as being synonymous with the process of modernisation and economic growth. Such a version of development has undoubtedly benefitted a few capitalists and layers of the middle class, yet it has remained in the realm of rhetoric for a large section of India’s tribal population. Development through mega projects displaces a large number of people. Displacement without adequate rehabilitation and compensation further aggravates the situation. In Odisha since 1993, few multinational and national companies have tried setting up mining projects in Kashipur. Many tribal villagers have protested strongly against these proposed projects from an egalitarian, environmental and social justice perspective. Significantly, women have remained in the forefront of these movements airing their concern. The article takes the case study of the Kashipur movement and critically analyses the role of women and their involvement in the struggle