Land, Identity and Belonging among Adivasi Peoples

Abstract

Land occupies a central place in the social, cultural, and emotional worlds of Adivasi communities. This paper examines the relationship between land, identity, and belonging among Indigenous peoples, with particular reference to the experiences of Kashipur and Kalinganagar in Odisha. It argues that land is understood not merely as a source of livelihood or economic value but as a foundation of ancestry, cultural continuity, collective memory, and community existence. Drawing on Indigenous perspectives, land rights literature, and case studies of development-induced change, the paper explores how attachment to territory shapes everyday life, social relationships, and cultural identity. The discussion highlights the contrasting experiences of defending homeland in Kashipur and negotiating displacement in Kalinganagar, demonstrating how the loss of land often produces a deeper crisis of belonging that extends beyond material deprivation. The paper further argues that conventional development approaches frequently overlook the cultural and emotional significance of place. Recognizing community-land relationships is therefore essential for socially just and culturally informed development. Protecting these relationships contributes not only to Indigenous well-being but also to the preservation of cultural diversity and collective heritage.

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