Understanding ‘culture’ of pastoralism and ‘modern development’ in Thar: Muslim pastoralists of north-west Rajasthan, India

Abstract The paper attempts to understand the relation between pastoral cultures and irrigation-based intensive farming regimes promoted by modern development represented Indira Gandhi Canal (IGNP) in western Rajasthan. Participant observation practice engagement with communities over past three decades give an opportunity reflect on epistemic rationality that constitutes discourse of development, formal statecraft technocracy, rule experts. Historical markers pastoralism interconnected regions north-west Rajasthan bordering Multan Bahawalpur Pakistan are situated trace longuee duree life systems Thar desert region. This oscillation enhanced moisture following inundation increased desiccation a moisture-deficient arid region has been at core sustaining culture among semi-nomadic pastoralists Muslim IGNP canal produces space for opens up irrigated natural resource use regime. political economy systematically marginalizes was ecologically embedded. varied experiences adaptation responses this state-led marginalization points tenacious ability continually adapt radically changing ecology. argues complementarity as inclusive vision. Beginnings can be made compassionate endowed resilience rooted historically constituted innovate times. may hold cues sustainable future Thar.