Introduction

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global landscape underwent a profound transformation, revealing the fragility of existing systems and prompting a critical reevaluation of alliances, power structures, and information dissemination. This introductory chapter explores the implications of the pandemic on India, particularly its marginalised communities inhabiting informal spaces, as the crisis accentuated existing disparities. Spanning diverse geographies and demographics, the chapter introduces contexts and concepts used to unpack the intricate socio-economic, gender, and caste dimensions that shape the lives of marginalised groups in their geo-political context. It also emphasises the urgency for nuanced, conversation-based impact assessment in development studies, moving beyond quantitative metrics. The chapter concludes by offering a glimpse into the multifaceted realities captured in the ensuing ethnographies thus contributing to the interdisciplinary discourse of development.