Dr. Avijit Pathak on Dr. Ajay Kumar Ojha's Book "The Tharus of West Champaran"

 

Dr. Avijit Pathak on Dr. Ajay Kumar Ojha's Book "The Tharus of West Champaran"

“Dr. Ajay Kumar Ojha's anthropological gaze, sociological critique and humanistic sensibilities are bound to make every alert reader reflect on the Tharus of West Champaran - from the social and cultural profile of this tribal community to the tales of their eventual disempowerment. Indeed, this rigorously researched book awakens us, and makes us see the way the Tharus eventually lost their fertile land with the process of 'pasturization' after 1947. As government officials and greedy traders exploited this innocent community, and acquired their land, it led to the process of 'pauperization' of the Tharus. This insightful book ought to be read by all those who feel that a democratic society must resist the colonization of the tribal community by 'educated outsiders'.”

DR. AVIJIT PATHAK

Former Professor & Chairman

Centre for the Study of Social System

Jawaharlal Nehru University

New Delhi : 110067