Gendered Impacts of Increasing Land Sale in Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract

This article presents a nuanced understanding of the contemporary phenomenon of increasing land sale in Western India and its impacts on a rapidly changing social context. It focuses on perspectives of rural women who often lack a voice in matters related to land. The research was undertaken in Maval tehsil (administrative unit) of Pune district, Maharashtra, where the incidence of land sale has increased in the last few years. The article explores the perceived impacts of land sale on rural society in the region. Physical changes such as fencing have affected sanitary practices, collection of fuel wood and fodder and access routes. Individualisation of property rights has resulted in conflicts within patrilineal systems as well as influenced the overall social fabric of village life.