Perceptions and experiences of development: a study of two tribal communities in Wayanad district, Kerala

Abstract

The development discourse, critiqued by scholars and peoples movements, continues to expand and encompass all aspects of Adivasi life. Studies show that the development projects exclude and alienate Adivasi communities in India and they describe the history of Adivasi development in India in terms of material deprivation and cultural marginalisation. While the socio-political and cultural exclusion is acknowledged as a universal feature of Adivasi life, the everyday experience of their exclusion differs among different Adivasi communities. This is reflected in their development status and the socio-economic stratification among them. Existing research attributes the differential development outcomes to certain historical advantages and disadvantages. By exploring the experiences of development of two different Adivasi communities in Wayanad in Kerala, this study attempts to understand the differential development outcomes, the processes of marginalisation and the reproduction of historical advantages and disadvantages. Two Adivasi communities with contrasting development status and historical features have been selected: the Paniyas with a history of slavery and landlessness and currently with a low educational and health status, and the Kurichias who were matrilineal and landed, with relatively better educational and health status. Specific Objectives 1. To understand the Paniyas and Kurichias access to land, forest and other material resources. 2. To analyze how the two select Adivasi communities perceive and utilise development programmes for education, health and employment. 3. To understand and analyze the Adivasis perception of the idea of development vis-à-vis that of the state. 4. To analyze the Paniyas and Kurichias everyday experience of the development process and their individual and collective struggles. 5. To examine the position of women in the two communities and to analyze the consequences of development on gender relations.