MARGINALIZATION OF THE MEAL MAKERS: ETHNOGRAPHIC OBSERVATIONS OF SALT FARMERS AND WORKERS OFTHE LITTLE RANN OF KUTCHH IN INDIA

Abstract

India has witnessed inequalities despite making sustained developmental progress. The economically, socially, and ecologically marginalized communities are the worst affected by this skewed development. The Salt workers living inside the protected area of Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) in India (Agariyas) experience such multi-dimensional marginality. Despite being the user of the common pool resource for decades, this community remains deprived of basic facilities and a range of public services during their stay inside the Rann. While their livelihood issues are well-documented, this research explored the complexities of their social, spatial, ecological, and political marginalization. An ethnographic study involving non-participant observations, in-depth interviews, and informal discussions with a range of different stakeholders was carried out during several short visits and a long stay. Data was collected in the form of field diaries, photos and videos, and audio recordings. For analysis, field notes and interview transcripts were read several times with a reflective mind. Situational and social arena maps were used for understanding the complexities of the lives of these populations. Despite the age-old association with the Rann, Agariyas became illegal residents of the LRK since it became a Wild Ass Sanctuary. While the ecological effects of climate change have affected the salt production cycles, increasing input prices, stagnant and decreasing output prices, increased occupational risk, and limited entrepreneur ability have resulted in grim economic prospects in an oligopolistic market. Carrying a historical stigma of belonging to the De-notified tribes, most Agariyas have poor social networks and remain politically invisible. They continue to remain excluded from most welfare entitlements of the public system. Agariyas face multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities that need policy attention. Ecological conservation to include economic, sociological, and anthropological viewpoints to appreciate the LRK as commons for the Agariyas who face unique challenges of sustaining and surviving.