A recent study by World Inequality Lab provides a groundbreaking analytical assessment of land inequality across 270,000 Indian villages. By integrating national census data with geospatial datasets, the study identifies the primary drivers of land inequality.
Historical Legacy
Regions under the Zamindari system developed high land concentration due to landlord dominance, whereas princely states and ryotwari areas had relatively lower inequality with more direct cultivator control.
Social Inequality
Caste structures have restricted land access, with Scheduled Castes historically marginalised, leading to persistent disparities in ownership.
Market and Geographic Factors
Fertile land, irrigation, and market access increase land value, often resulting in accumulation by wealthier groups and greater inequality.
Policy Failures
Land reforms and tenancy laws have been poorly implemented, with loopholes, weak enforcement, and political resistance limiting equitable redistribution of land.