Dissenting Margins

Paniyans are widely recognised as a ‘landless’ tribe of the Wayanad district of Kerala. Identified as slaves of wealthy landlords when plantations were first established in 1850, most Paniyans are now plantation workers. As landlocked spaces, it is believed that plantations restrict the mobility of the labourers, particularly of the tribes, who work within their confines and are, therefore, silenced into subdued natives. This chapter challenges this perception and illustrates how, despite their marginalisation, the Paniyans refused to leave or abandon the region. These historically indentured slaves led the struggle at the Muthanga range of forests in February 2003. The Muthanga struggle continues to signify for the Paniyans a deep and distinct bond they share with the forests. Paniyans derive a sense of belonging through their association with the forests and the land of Wayanad. Their sense of entitlement to the land and forests is rooted not in tangible forms of association, such as individual property rights, but in intangible connections to their traditions and way of life.