Explore the complex journey of Jharkhand, India’s ‘land of forests,’ in Reclaiming Indigeneity and Democracy. Established in 2000 after a significant regional movement, Jharkhand offers a unique postcolonial democratic experiment in indigenous autonomy and self-determination. This insightful book delves into over two decades of volatile politics, where indigenous communities have been mobilized by competing factions. Ipshita Basu examines how ‘relations of justification’ shape claims-making for diverse indigenous groups, focusing on Adivasi political recognition amidst majoritarian populism and market forces. Drawing on philosophy, politics, and cultural studies, alongside ethnographic and archival research, this timely account reveals how expressive attachments drive activism, even in the face of significant power imbalances. A crucial read for understanding indigenous politics and social justice in contemporary India.