Dynamics of Agrarian Relations in India: Analysing the Regional Patterns of Tenancy System

Abstract

The patterns of distribution of land and the system of tenancy are the two significant aspects of the agrarian relations. In a developing agrarian economy like India, land plays an important role in determining the social and economic (well) being of the people, the unbalanced man-land ratio and the unequal distribution of land and the (social) value loaded rigid land market, the land tenancy system plays an important role in the process of re-distribution of land across various social and economic groups. Therefore, the policy makers have been recognised the role of tenancy system in enforcing the redistribution process of land.By critically analysing the regional pattern of tenancy system in India, the paper argues that the measures to legalise the land leasing and land tenure system are in a way is a status-quo position by neglecting the historic oppressions and exploitation the tenants has undergone over years and continues even today.  Tenancy involves unequal power relationship between the lessor-lease in combination with caste system, the terms of tenancy under any conditions more disadvantageous to the lease. Thus, the paper concludes that land reforms and redistribution of land to the real cultivators not just transferring a temporary right to cultivate is not going to bring productivity to Indian agriculture.