The Zomis, Formerly Known As The Chin-Kuki-Mizo Groups Are Found In The Different States Of India Such As Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam And Meghalaya. Apart From India They Are Mostly Found In Myanmar And Bangladesh. The Volume Refers This Group Of People Under The Zomi Nomenclature.The Book Examines The Traditional Political Institutions Of The Zomis And Their Functioning. Thus It Examines The Origin Of Chieftainship, Its Powers And Functions. It Also Examines The Limitations Imposed By The State Government Through Legislations On The Power Of The Village Chiefs Which Has Created Many Problems Relating To Proper Administration Of The Village, Maintenance And Utilization Of The Village Resources.The Book Analyses Growth Of Modern Political Institutions With The Setting Up Of The Hill Areas Committee, The District Councils And The Introduction Of Democratic Elements In The Village Administration. It Further Analyses Tribal Political Participation In The Different Democratic Institutions Through Elections And Nominations. It Shows The Rising Trend Of The Political Participation Of The Tribal In The Decision Making Process Of The State. Besides, The Volume Makes An Analytical Study Of The Economic Development Of The Zomis Thereby Reflecting The Stages Of Change From Backward Economy To A Forward One.Based Mainly On Primary Sources, This Fully Documented Volume Will Be Of Immense Help For Planners And Decision Makers So Far As Tribal Development Is Concerned. The Book Will Be Of Absorbing Interest To Scholars And General Readers Alike.

Papers presented at the National Seminar on Land, Identity and Development : Manipur Experience, held at Imphal during 16-17 November 2007.

Adivasis have principally been studied in the context of rebellion, environmental history and the politics of identity. However, preoccupations with definitions and notions of identity, while important in themselves, tend to shift attention away from the inner lives of these communities. This book deals with different aspects of the histories of adivasi communities -- from Rajasthan in the west to Bengal and Orissa in the east. The essays in this book discuss a range of issues affecting the socio-economic and cultural life of adivasis and explore the long term continuities and discontinuities between different political regimes. They also reflect some of the new concerns that have come up relating to methodology and sources, historiography and colonial concerns, the impact of missionaries, gender issues, the agrarian situation, famines and migration. Some of the issues addressed in this volume are the genesis and development of 'tribal' studies in India during the colonial period; the peasantization of adivasi groups and their assimilation within the Hindu caste fold as reflected in Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas; the work of the Protestant missions among the Santals of Chotanagpur; the social and ritual relations between the Bhils and the Rajput ruling dynasties of Dungarpur in southern Rajasthan; the aspect of agrarian change among the Hos of Singhbhum; the factors behind the migration from Chotanagpur, its nature and organization and its impact upon the adivasi village community; the question of women's agency in colonial Chotanagpur; and an exploration of land rights, witchcraft, employment patterns and how women challenged patriarchy in their everyday lives; and the impact of globalisation and liberalization upon adivasis in contemporary India. The book will be of use to students and scholars of history, anthropology and sociology and also to policy-planners.

Handbook of Tribal Politics in India is undoubtedly the most authoritative source for a systematic and comprehensive study of this vibrant field of scholarship. Divided into three sections, the chapters cover a broad range of themes ranging from a general introduction to tribal politics to exploring contemporary issues and concerns within the discipline. The book presents a trajectory and authentic overview of tribal politics while keeping in mind the changing relationship between tribal communities and democracy. Using qualitative and quantitative data, it studies the role of tribal political representatives in public policy-making, issues related to communities, and the nature and dynamics of tribal politics at the state and national levels. It explores the patterns, conditions and challenges of tribes' participation in electoral politics and presents the issues and agendas that will continue to affect the tribal politics in future. This book is an essential resource for teaching and research in political science and other social science disciplines studying comparative political dimensions.