Marginality in India : Perspectives of Marginalisation from the Northeast

The book takes a close look into the definitions and categorizations of marginality, inequality, agency and location in society. It examines the systems of marginalization and othering by exploring perspectives of socially excluded people and communities in Northeast India.

The context of Northeast India provides unique perspectives on the debates around marginality due to the existence of multi-ethnic cultures in the region and since its prolonged colonial historical experience alienated it from the rest of India. This volume focuses on the issues pertaining to tribe, caste, gender identity, religion, and physical disability in the region. It also looks at the roles which institutions, education and the media play in the creation and perpetuation of social exclusion and the centre―periphery binary. With essays from eminent scholars and social scientists, the book discusses themes such as citizenship and borders, national and tribal identity, the role of the law, government and policies for countering exclusion and the challenges which socially excluded groups and communities face to gain agency, autonomy and the right to equality.

This book will be useful for scholars and researchers of sociology, Northeast India studies, political sociology, development studies, political science, gender studies, and social anthropology.

Kedilezo Kikhi is currently Chair Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Chair, and Professor of Sociology at Tezpur University, Assam, India. He completed his post-graduate degree and Ph.D. from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, India. He is credited with several publications in national and international journals, dailies, texts, and reference books for tertiary as well as school education. His most recent publications include Nagaland: Vibrant Ethnic Communities in Transition (Vol. 1&2), Indigeneity, Citizenship and the State: Perspectives from India’s Northeast and Comprehending Equity: Contextualising India’s North-East.

Dharma Rakshit Gautam is currently Research Officer and Assistant Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Chair at Tezpur University, Assam, India. He completed his post-graduate degree at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India and earned research degrees (M.Phil. & Ph.D.) from National institute of Educational Planning & Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, India. His recent publications include Education Among Scheduled Castes and Comprehending Equity: Contextualising India’s North-East.