ISAS Working Papers

This paper addresses a central research question of how socio - political factors explain a high level of land acquisition in Tamil Nadu that is couple d with intensive industrialization. It answers the question by paying attention to the ideas of policymakers on inclusive industrial schemes and societal structure presenting the upward mobility of low caste groups in both political and economic spheres in the state. It argues that the state’s commitment to land making and industry making has met the needs of citizens favoring urbanization, thereby contributed to industrial development. Fieldwork findings collated from a bargaining process between the state, society, a nd foreign capital for land acquisition at a special economic zone for a tire - manufacturing foreign compan y strongly support the argument.