"Please Come and Settle Here"- Writing Land History through Brokers and Leaders in Bhubaneswar's Basti Neighborhood

Brokers, often overlooked in studies of the political economy of urban neighborhoods, actually play a pivotal role in the urbanization of cities in the Global South. They are not just passive players or mere vote-bringers during elections, as commonly perceived. Their roles are far more significant and deserve our attention.
This paper looks at the land transformation in Bhubaneswar, India. The fieldwork is based on the basti lands of a neighborhood named "Salia Sahi." Basti lands, which can be administratively categorized as wastelands, small forests, state-owned lands, etc., are the focus of this study. I have studied such urban lands and their historical transformations. Here my focus is on the role of brokers/ leaders who have been instrumental in building institutions and land regimes. This paper brings about a materialist land history of the 'Salia Sahi' neighborhood by studying the life histories of brokers and analyzing the preserved documentary artifacts of land, housing, and services of these brokers.
Our research reveals that brokers are not just passive players, but active creators of institutions that build systems of community land governance, maintain peace, and foster unity among residents. They take the initiative to preserve paper documents, strengthening their land claims on 'basti lands.' Moreover, they engage in healthy competition with other brokers for political reasons, providing services, land benefits, and other claims. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the dynamics of urban neighborhoods.
This paper employs a robust research methodology, including interviews, focused group discussions, life history, and document analysis methods. These comprehensive methods ensure a thorough study of the question of brokers' roles, providing a solid foundation for our findings.