Conflicts over place between indigenous communities and modern capitalism. The case of the Niyamgiri hills, Orissa.

Abstract: This literature case study focus on a contemporary conflict between the mining company Vedanta Resources and the indigenous tribe of the Dongria Kondh within the Niyamgiri Hills in Orissa, India. The analysis is grounded in phenomenology, as humanistic geographical concepts of space and place are used in order to interpret the different meanings of space and place as they are expressed within the literature by the two conflicting parties. The analysis shows a discrepancy between the two parties’ views of space and place, as well as an insider – outsider complex of problems. Building on this, the study develops into a discussion about the nature of capitalism and its effects on indigenous communities. Based upon the analysis, the study argues that indigenous communities and cultural identities are especially placebound due to factors such as permanence, cultural identity, religion and livelihood. Taking for granted Schumpeter’s observations about capitalism’s built in principle of Creative Destruction, the study further concludes that capitalism is inherently hostile against indigenous traditional lifestyles and cultural identities. Last but not least, the study highlights the importance of political awareness concerning the effects of capitalism on traditional indigenous lifestyles and the cultural identities of minorities, and calls for greater power being delegated to political incentives who encourage projects of economic development that are local and just, and freedom within the choice of lifestyle.