The Politics of Ethnic Renewal in Darjeeling: Gorkhas and the Struggle for Tribal Recognition (Nepal and Himalayan Studies)

"This book examines the nature of ethnopolitics evolving in the Darjeeling hills, located in the Eastern Himalayas. It highlights how in the wake of regional politics minorities pursue alternative avenues to attain rights and recognition. The book provides an astute analysis of competing claims of culture and identity engendered both by demands for regional autonomy and struggles for scheduled tribe status. It highlights the varied forms of ethnic demands often demonstrated through performative and discursive claims. The volume initiates a timely discussion on the discourse of recognition, politics of difference, and alterity which has wider implications and applications to understand South Asian realities. Drawing on rich empirical research, this work will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of politics, anthropology, sociology, tribal studies, ethnography, minority studies and South Asian studies"-- Provided by publisher This book examines the nature of ethnopolitics evolving in the Darjeeling hills, located in the Eastern Himalayas. It highlights how in the wake of regional politics minorities pursue alternative avenues to attain rights and recognition. The book provides an astute analysis of competing claims of culture and identity engendered both by demands for regional autonomy and struggles for scheduled tribe status. It highlights the varied forms of ethnic demands often demonstrated through performative and discursive claims. The volume initiates a timely discussion on the discourse of recognition, politics of difference, and alterity which has wider implications and applications to understand South Asian realities. Drawing on rich empirical research, this work will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of politics, anthropology, sociology, tribal studies, ethnography, minority studies, and South Asian studies. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Series 3 Title 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 Contents 8 List of Tables 9 List of Figures 10 Map of the study area 11 A Note on Transliteration 12 Acknowledgements 13 List of Abbreviations 16 Introduction: Setting the Stage 18 1 Discreet Groups and Collective Identity: Consolidation of the Nepali/Gorkha Community 43 2 The Formation of Ethnic Associations and Changing Ethnopolitics in Darjeeling 70 3 Moving Forward to Become Backward: Claims for Recognition as Scheduled Tribes 97 4 Remembering the Past, Restructuring the Future: Demands for Recognition and Politics of Difference 122 5 Ritualizing Ethnicity, Ethnicizing Rituals: Engaging the State and Performative Claims 151 6 From Construction to Constitution: Negotiating Multiple and Overlapping Identities 180 Conclusion 202 Index 231