Abstract
Drawing from empirical research, the article highlights the landlessness of the Dalits in eastern Uttar Pradesh vis-à-vis the social construction of poverty and the question of identity based on caste. It analyses the nature and extent of inequality in the ownership of land (both agricultural and homestead) among different social groups and presents a comparative perspective of Dalits at the national, state and local levels. Further, on the basis of block and village level analysis, the article reveals the size of landholding patterns among different caste groups of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The article seeks an answer to the question as to why the Dalits do not have land and for what reasons. It is observed that land for them is not only a source of livelihood but also a question of dignity. The article advocates that minimum size of land will provide them safety, security and dignity.
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