Dalit Movements
In this article , we will deal with topic titled ‘Dalit Movements’
Based on Rajni Kothari’s studies , various phases in Dalit Movement in India are as follows :-
Pre-Independence
These can be divided into two parts
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- Reformative : They never questioned the Caste System. All they wanted was , discriminatory aspects of Caste System should be reformed . Eg : Harijan Movement of Gandhi
- Alternative : Create alternative socio-cultural system where there is no place for caste system . Eg : Religious Conversions etc
Post Independence
| 1950-60s |
- Congress was manipulating Dalits as vote bank but they were not given any leadership role. To challenge it ,
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- Republican party of India formed
- Mass conversion of Dalits to Buddhism
- But Republican Party wasn’t able to sustain itself due to Marxist vs Ambedkarite ideology . Ambedkarites were in favour of gaining political power and use it for social upliftment of their community. But Marxist wanted to annihilate socio-political structure and create completely classless society.
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| 1970s |
Dalit Panther Movement
- Inspired by Black Panthers Movement of USA
- It was aimed at generating awareness among people regarding the plight of the dalits
- It was carried out by educated students and methodology included public debates, pamphlets , plays etc . Students of other sections of society apart from Dalits were also participating
- They defined Dalits in holistic way consisting of “all those who are exploited politically, economically and in the name of religion.”
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| 1980s |
Rise of Bahujan Samaj Party
- In democracy , majority rules .
- They wanted to take power out of the hands of elites especially Brahmins , Rajputs and Baniyas .
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