STUDY ON VISUAL SCENARIOS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF THE KISANS OF SAMBALPUR DISTRICT IN ODISHA

Abstract [English]

This study examines the political organization of the Kisans of Sambalpur district, Odisha, using visual scenario methods. Sambalpur, known for its agrarian diversity, irrigation networks, and history of peasant resistance, provides an important context to understand how farmers collectively negotiate power, leadership, and resources. Conventional approaches to rural political analysis—such as textual surveys, interviews, and statistical documentation—often overlook the everyday visual and spatial dimensions of political life. To address this gap, this research employs participatory mapping, photo voice techniques, network diagrams, and thematic visualizations to reconstruct how Kisans perceive and practice political organization. The findings reveal that political structures among Kisans extend beyond formal institutions like unions, cooperatives, and party units, encompassing informal arrangements shaped by geography, caste, gender, and economic relations. These visual scenarios demonstrate how power is both concentrated and contested within village spaces. The study argues that visual approaches provide a new perspective on rural politics by revealing invisible patterns and encouraging Kisans to reflect on their modes of organization. Beyond research insights, these methods can serve as participatory tools for policy and planning, aiding in dispute resolution, welfare program design, and inclusive governance. Overall, visual scenarios offer both analytical depth and practical utility in understanding and strengthening the political organization of Kisans in Sambalpur.