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Abstract

This article is based on an in-depth study of the socio-economic changes experienced by agricultural laborers as a result of tobacco cultivation. Two villages in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India—one where tobacco is extensively grown (Karavadi) and the other where it is not (Veerabhadrapuram) are studied. What emerges from the study is that tobacco cultivation has not only acted as a money multiplier, but has brought about a very high degree of social awareness among the hitherto so-called untouchables (now termed Dalits) in this district. They have become highly conscious of their political and social rights for improving themselves. In this process, some of the practices like untouchability, social exclusion and engagement in traditional occupations have been shaken at their roots.

Keywords

inter-caste relations untouchabilty political empowerment and consciousness of women workers

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Socio-economic Impact of Tobacco Cultivation on Dalit Agricultural Laborers

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