Hathiyahi

Hathiyahi (हाथियाही) is a term originating from the Hindi language, and more broadly used across North India, that refers to the practice of forcefully taking possession of land, property, or other resources. It implies a disregard for legal ownership or due process and suggests an element of violence, intimidation, or overwhelming force in acquiring the desired assets. The term often carries a negative connotation, highlighting injustice and a violation of rights. Hathiyahi might also be used to describe situations where a powerful individual or group uses their influence to illegally seize assets, exploiting vulnerabilities within the existing legal framework or social order. The scale of hathiyahi can range from individual disputes over small plots of land to larger-scale land grabs orchestrated by powerful entities.