This anthology brings to light the often concealed narratives of vulnerable communities from India, variably termed “informal settlements” or “slum dwellers.” Amidst economic advancement, these individuals grapple with unseen vulnerabilities, overshadowed by the rise of more visibly productive industries. Through a captivating exploration of visual narratives, authors strive to shed light on the essence of these marginalised communities scattered across North and West India—from the picturesque valleys of Kashmir to the arid landscapes of Kutch. Against the restructuring of India’s economic systems since the 1990s, these communities found themselves at a crossroads—whether to cling to time-honoured traditions or rebuild lives from scratch. Through the recorded voices of these diverse communities, the aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of their experiences within the broader framework of contemporary repercussions of neoliberalism in India. This chapter contextualises the ensuing case studies within the feminist critique of neoliberalism and the broader socio-economic transformation that followed suit