An empirical account of one of India's largest indigenous populations this book tells the
story of the Gonds-who currently face displacement and governmental control of the region's
forests which has crippled their economy. Rather than protesting and calling for state
intervention the Gonds have turned toward an informal economy: they not only engage with
flexible forms of work but also bargain for higher wages and experience agency and autonomy.
Smita Yadav conceives of this withdrawal from the state in favour of precarious forms of work
as an expression of anarchy by this marginalized population. Even as she provides rich detail
of the Gonds' unusual working lives which integrate work labour and debt practices with
ideologies of family and society Yadav illustrates the strength required to maintain dignity
when a welfare state has failed.
