Session Name: The (Colonial) History of Statehood, Labour and Technology in Asia
Rajasthan and Outward Migration: Trends and impact from c.17th CE to c. 20th CE
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
09:00 – 10:45 (GMT+7)
Paper Abstract: Rajasthan, the largest state geographically, scores 7th on GDP, 22nd on per Capita, 22nd on HDI, and 33rd on Literacy scale of India (2022-2023). This Land of the Kings, home of the famed Marwari community sees migrations in large numbers to all corners of the country and the neighbourhood especially Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, as traditional artisans, shop owners, account-keepers, moneylenders, traders, middlemen, land-owners, and, even stock-holders in sterling-companies. Some humble beginnings have grown to a generation of business houses and conglomerates in lands other than their home. The trajectory of these migrations and development seen from early c. 17th CE to the c. 20th CE and today is a remarkable narrative of success – for the’ host’ geographies and industries. What, though, is the tale of the Rajasthan that they left? What lies behind the scores quoted above of a people who have added value to other places? This short Paper seeks to trace the trajectory, and explore the motivations and trends of such movement, the cost, the pains, the social engirdling and the political economy, for both, the people and the State. It draws from personal experience, on-the-ground ethnographic research, studies in related fields, and offers a comparative with similar community/ies of South Asia. The Paper would attempt a blueprint for constructive migration-governance policies on one hand, and a framework for socio-economic prosperity for the land left behind, particularly for Rajasthan.