Rajakishor Mahana

Dr Rajakishor Mahana, with more than ten years of research and teaching experience, currently serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Anthropology in Kalahandi University, Bhawanipatna. Previously, he also taught in Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Khallikote University, Berhmapur and KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. Besides teaching, he has also earned experience in research working with M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Renaissance Strategic and Management Services, Bhubaneswar, to name a few.

Trained in anthropology and development studies, Dr Mahana completed his PhD degree in Anthropology from Madras Institute of Development Studies, Chennai with fellowships from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, Malcolm Adisseshiah Trust, Chennai and the Food Security Center (DAAD fellowship), University of Hohenheim, Germany. His research interest includes: Theories in anthropology and development studies, Tribal and rural studies, Anthropology of development, post-colonial state, social movements and human rights.

He had the opportunity to participate and present two dozens of research papers in international seminars and conferences held in India, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Canada and South Africa. A dozen of his research articles have been published in national and international journals and edited volumes. He has authored four books including his recent books, Human Rights: Rhetorics and Practices. (2018, Kaveri Books) and Negotiating Marginality: Conflicts over Tribal Development in India (2019, Routledge).

Education

• 2014 Ph.D. in Anthropology, Madras Institute of Development Studies, University of Madras, Chennai (with DAAD Visiting Fellowship to Food Security Center, University of Hohenheim, Germany). Thesis: Resisting Domination: Conflicts over Development and Tribal Movements in Contemporary Orissa.
• 2002 M.Phil. in Anthropology, Utkal University, Odisha.
• 2001 M.A. in Anthropology, Utkal University, Odisha, securing First Class First position (Gold Medalist).
• 1999 B.A. in Anthropology (Hons.) and Political Science, Utkal University, Odisha, securing First Class with Distinction (Rank VII).

Honors and Awards

• 2010 Visiting Doctoral Fellowship (DAAD Fellowship) for six months from Food Security Center, University of Hohenheim, Germany.
• 2007 Malcolm Adisseshiah Doctoral Research Fellowship for one year, Madras Institute of Development Studies, Chennai.
• 2004 Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Doctoral Research Fellowship for three years, 2004-2007.
• 2003 Qualified the UGC NET in Anthropology in December
• 2001 University Gold Medal from Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar.

Books Published

• R. K. Mahana, 2019. Negotiating Marginality: Conflicts over Tribal Development in India (with a foreword by NandiniSundar). New Delhi: Social Science Press, and London and New York: Routledge.
• B. N. Ray and R. K. Mahana, 2018. Human Rights: Rhetorics and Practices. New Delhi: Kaveri Books.
• R. K. Mahana, 2007. JatapuJivanadhara(Jatapu Lifestyle). Bhubaneswar: Academy of Tribal Dialects and Culture, Government of Orissa.
• R. K. Mahana, 2004. BondaParampara O Gyanakousala (Bonda Tradition and Indigenous Knowledge). Bhubaneswar: Academy of Tribal Dialects and Culture, Government of Orissa.