In the Belly of the River

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Summary: Rich ethnography of indigenous politics
Review: A chapter from this book was precribed for a course on development, but I ended up reading it from cover to cover. Through a really engrossing, intimate account of how contemporary adivasis (tribal groups) in India struggle for life and livelihood, the author compels us to think about the politics of social and environmental movements. By showing the complexity and contradictions within tribal cultural beliefs and resource use practices, she makes us appreciate both the heroism of ordinary indigenous men and women and the short-sightedness of those who claim to represent them. The author conveys the texture of grassroots politics and the experience of being part of an amazing social movement.

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Summary: badly written; fragmented view of the displacement issue
Review: badly written. nothing more to sa

Rating:
Summary: Very interesting analysis
Review: I'm primarily writing this review in response to the review given above, I have a different view point on this book and I wanted to share it. I have to admit, having lived in a big city all my life, I'm really ignorant about life in villages or about tribals. I have also been vaguely aware of the struggle over the Narmada project and other environmental movements in India. I have just started thinking consciously about these issues after I came to the US. This is the first book that I read from cover to cover, on anything involving sociology/environemnt/ development/tribals/indian non-fiction! I thought Amita Baviskar has presented a very interesting analysis on how the tribals percieve their own struggle, and the apparent difference in how it is portrayed by the intelligentsia. I do not think she is against the NBA or what they're trying to achieve. It is an objective analysis, in my humble opinion, and I strongly believe that in order to find a solution/middle-ground on this issue all parties concerned have to consider all possible angles, be objective and not get carried away by rhetoric. And in trying to be objective, I do not think that Amita Baviskar, becomes any less passionate/concerened an activist, than say Medha Patkar. I reccomend this book to anyone who is interested in hearing a more objective view, you may not agree with it, but I think it's worth listening too.