| This dissertation seeks to understand the processes of agrarian change in Matar Taluka (Gujarat), India. Its purpose is to offer elements for a theory of agrarian change, by which specifically is meant a theory of the "generative mechanisms" that have tendentially produced a certain observable pattern of economic and social differentiation in the study area. Three distinct but related questions distinguished by their level of generality are examined. At the most specific level explanation is sought for the paradox of differential household mobility where, over a few short decades, some previously affluent households have become poor and some poor households have become affluent. This phenomenon is studied under contrasting historical changes in water regimes: first, within a condition of improved irrigation and, second, within a condition of diminished irrigation--asking, in each case, how and to what extent changes in water regimes have affected household mobility.;The line of reasoning proceeds as follows: the Kanbi Patels of Matar Taluka were able to establish firm control over the principal means of production by the middle of the 19th century, which enabled them to cope better and recover more quickly than other caste groups from the series of drought years in the early 20th century. The numerically-dominant Baraiya and Koli castes recovered more slowly, and were reduced to the status of a semi-proletariat. But in the land reforms of 1957-1965, Baraiyas and Kolis, who were often tenants of Patels, appear to have been able to augment their landholdings.;Meanwhile, the advent of canal irrigation in the Taluka in 1962 led to the rapid spread of cash-intensive paddy and wheat cultivation. Patels, with superior access to credit, were at the forefront of the agricultural wave. However, paddy cultivation is deeply labour-intensive. With the rise in demand for labour, the bargaining power of the primarily Baraiya and Koli farm workers rose. In an attempt to ensure a secure labour supply and maintain their social dominance, Patels tried to sever Baraiyas and Kolis from their control of land (that is, proletarianize them). The strategy of the Patels has been only partly successful.;The proliferation of village dairy cooperatives, in conjunction with irrigation-induced improvements in fodder supply, has allowed numerous Baraiya and Koli households to diversify into milk production. Meanwhile the economic dominance of Patels has been severely challenged by Bharwads.;Finally, an annual regime of wet-rice cultivation in a poorly-drained tract has strained the ecosystem--as indicated by a sharp rise in waterlogging and salinization, and the escalation in pest outbreaks. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
