Paper short abstract:

The paper discusses the indigenous discourse on sacred landscape in western Orissa as an effective tool for political, environmental and cultural resistance. It highlights Gandhamardan Surekhya Andulan - the Gandha Mardhan Protection Movement as the example of a successful eco-resistance against bauxite mining and industrialisation fought in the mid 80ies by Adivasi Paiko, Binjal and Soara communities in the Bora Sambar region of western Orissa which is vital until today.

Paper long abstract:

The Gandhamardan Surekhya Andulan - the Gandha Mardhan Protection Movement (Gandha=medicine; mardhan= mountains) of western Orissa demonstrates how an indigenous discourse on sacred landscape has become a meaningful tool for environment protection, political resistance and a significant symbol of regional and ethnic identity. The struggle for conservation of the forest and the mountains represents a cultural symbol of local resistance against ecological and cultural destruction through ruthless industrialisation. Until today the successful Gandha Mardhan Movement means not only the conservation of the forest but also political agency and cultural survival of the indigenous population of the region. The saved landscape mirrors the local struggle for eco-justice and cultural identity fought by local communities in western Orissa.