ABSTRACT
The paper has three aims: (1) to identify and consider those major persistent themes which inform this volume; (2) to distinguish, within those themes, whatever common processes, with respect to labour relations in the Indian countryside, can be observed in the contributions published; and (3) to suggest what the studies reveal about differential outcomes within the Indian social formation. The overarching theme of class conflict is singled out and that of the nature and impact of state intervention noted. A series of ‘stylised shifts’, or clear general tendencies, are seen to be in evidence in the analyses, which suggest the operation of vigorous emancipatory processes. The limitations and contradictions inherent in these emancipatory processes are discussed, the influences which condition class struggle are highlighted, and the crucial role of the state (and, in particular, the significance of poverty alleviation programmes) stressed. It is argued, finally, that a primary analytical task is to pursue a far more systematic interpretation of regional variations in the Indian social formation than is currently available.
