Land and Violence in the Lives of Tribal Women: The Case of Jharkhand

Jharkhand has the highest number of witchcraft-related crimes in India. Research suggests that a number of these are rooted in land disputes. In this article, we assess the various threads which connect or disconnect tribal women with land in Jharkhand and expose them to violence. We spoke with the women and listened to the people around them—men from their communities, tribal leaders, government officials, development leaders, advocates and others—to know their perspectives. We also analyse the constitutional and legal contexts of women’s access to and ownership of land. We examine the complex web of factors—including legal, administrative, social and cultural—that contribute to the unequal treatment of tribal women. We then suggest some strategic changes that require a long-term vision, and some immediate steps that might reduce the vulnerability and suffering of tribal women in Jharkhand.