Aniket Nandan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Aniket Nandan
South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies, 2024
This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the northea... more This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the northeastern state of Tripura, India, in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, foregrounding their gender non-conforming identity and the entangled layers of marginalisation they face. We situate the perils of the undocumented Brihannalas during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed lockdown in terms of their sense of belonging, experiences of migration and concerns of livelihood. Furthermore, we examine the everyday precariousness that emerges from their characteristic migration patterns, their experiences of fuzzy spaces at the Indo-Bangladesh border and the absence of documents of legibility. In doing so, we argue that the persistent non-recognition of the undocumented Brihannalas by the state as well as their choice of remaining undocumented-and hence, ambiguoushave co-produced their illegibility and amplified their distress during the pandemic.
Ambiguous Identity and Uncertain Belonging: Assessing the Lives of Undocumented Brihannalas in the Backdrop of the COVID-19 Pandemic
South Asia, Jun 16, 2024
This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the north-e... more This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the north-eastern state of Tripura, India, in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, foregrounding their gender non-conforming identity and the entangled layers of marginalisation they face. We situate the perils of the undocumented Brihannalas during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed lockdown in terms of their sense of belonging, experiences of migration and concerns of livelihood. Furthermore, we examine the everyday precariousness that emerges from their characteristic migration patterns, their experiences of fuzzy spaces at the Indo-Bangladesh border and the absence of documents of legibility. In doing so, we argue that the persistent non-recognition of the undocumented Brihannalas by the state as well as their choice of remaining undocumented—and hence, ambiguous—have co-produced their illegibility and amplified their distress during the pandemic.
Populism and Caste in Contemporary India: Sociopolitical Pragmatisms of Caste Associations
This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of popu... more This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of populist discourses in India. In doing so, the role of caste and its associational structures as a socio-cultural and political category finds significant attention. The essay argues that, in contemporary India, the core value of populism, aimed at addressing the "will of the people" or popular demand of the majority, has found itself stifled in the clutches of "will of the few" who not only reproduce the sociocultural hegemony but have also been able to postulate and dominate epistemic positions. However, this argument is not devoid of the foundation that India indeed witnessed phases of constructive populist discourses, which in present times seem to be enmeshed within the metanarratives of a caste society.
Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024 J. Chacko Chennattuserry et al. (eds.), Encyclopedia of New Populism and Responses in the 21st Century
This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of popu... more This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of populist discourses in India. In doing so, the role of caste and its associational structures as a socio-cultural and political category finds significant attention. The essay argues that, in contemporary India, the core value of populism, aimed at addressing the "will of the people" or popular demand of the majority, has found itself stifled in the clutches of "will of the few" who not only reproduce the sociocultural hegemony but have also been able to postulate and dominate epistemic positions. However, this argument is not devoid of the foundation that India indeed witnessed phases of constructive populist discourses, which in present times seem to be enmeshed within the metanarratives of a caste society.
Book Review: Properties of Rent: Community, Capital and Politics in Globalising Delhi
National Law School Journal
The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity ... more The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity and electoral democracy in Indian socio-political discourse. The theme of this research paper lays its foundation on the intersections of caste and religious mobilisation in India. The spaces of religions mobilization in contemporary Indian politics have been determinately occupied by Hindutva (a form of Hindu nationalism). It is evident that the Hindutva project is precariously positioned on the political agenda of bringing in diverse caste groups and organizing them under an overarching Hindutva religious identity that often labels Muslims and minorities as the "other". The rise of political party such as Bhartiye Janta Party (BJP) on the premises of Hindu nationalism ushered a momentous change in the socio-political landscape of India. Deeply divided by caste Indian society have sustained its historically violent, unjust and unequal form of Hindu social order. Quintessential...
Athens Journal of Social Sciences, 2018
The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity ... more The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity and electoral democracy in Indian socio-political discourse. The theme of this research paper lays its foundation on the intersections of caste and religious mobilisation in India. The spaces of religions mobilization in contemporary Indian politics have been determinately occupied by Hindutva (a form of Hindu nationalism). It is evident that the Hindutva project is precariously positioned on the political agenda of bringing in diverse caste groups and organizing them under an overarching Hindutva religious identity that often labels Muslims and minorities as the "other". The rise of political party such as Bhartiye Janta Party (BJP) on the premises of Hindu nationalism ushered a momentous change in the socio-political landscape of India. Deeply divided by caste Indian society have sustained its historically violent, unjust and unequal form of Hindu social order. Quintessentially, Hindu religion being the doctrine for such stratification has shaped the socio-political identities and differences. This has brought the caste consciousness and religious identities to the fore and more importantly the mobilization of electoral support on the basis of caste and religion as a complex phenomenon. Hence, this research paper aims to unfold the dynamics of caste and religion in contemporary political ambience charged by Hindu nationalist projects.
Ajantha Subramanian, The Caste of Merit: Engineering Education in India
Review of Development and Change, 2020
gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as different identiti... more gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as different identities assume prominence in different contexts, while being gendered. Gender is primarily seen as binary, while gender identities need to be seen as a continuum. The ‘bubble-up’ model is good but needs to go beyond wage, economic federations, employment-led development and local government. The religion, class, caste and gender gaps in wages and division of work have to be addressed, as the gaps in asset base, institutional credit, access to value chains, leadership in producer companies and care services. While women’s representation in local government or parliament is a value by itself, there is no assurance that the elected representatives will take up strategic gender, caste or class interests. Body and mind are not dichotomous, and control over women’s body has been a tool for subordination. Women need to have control over both and use them for expanding women’s agency. Some of Gandhi’s arguments (e.g., celibacy is the answer for women’s oppression) are problematic. Celibacy denies women’s sexual rights unless one accepts sex outside marriage. Overall, the book is a must-read for those working on gender and development. It gives a peep into the history of the women’s movement and its making, and interventions of a remarkable woman who had her role in shaping it. My key takeaways are bubble-up, feminist, economic and political models; the contradiction between economic development and rights arm of the UN; and the need to rethink economic concepts from aam aurat.
A Sociopolitical Alternative for Dalits in Uttar Pradesh and Expectation From It
Contemporary Voice of Dalit
In Indian electoral elections, Uttar Pradesh is one of those states that has witnessed a signific... more In Indian electoral elections, Uttar Pradesh is one of those states that has witnessed a significant emergence of Dalit political awareness in past few decades. Yet in the current electoral climate, they have only been a passing cloud, which further necessitates an overhaul in their political leadership and style of politics. It is in this regard that a discussion on the alternatives for the Dalit politics becomes more important than ever. In such a discussion, one leader who cannot be overlooked is Chandrashekhar Azad ‘Ravan’. Thus, this commentary aims to address the question, what should this alternative represent?
Associational Structures and Beyond: Evolution and Contemporary Articulations of Bhumihar Caste Associations in Bihar, India
Journal of Historical Sociology, 2020
This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhu... more This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhumihar caste associations in Bihar by focusing on their relationship with land, political economy, and ideological orientations. As a landowning upper caste, the Bhumihars negotiated with a host of structural as well socio-political transformations in the state primarily by constructing the self-image of a warrior caste holding a Brahmin status. The paper in particular examines the impact of land reforms, violence unleashed by the Bhumihar caste militia during the agrarian unrest and the rise of Backward Caste mobilisation followed by the Hindutva mobilisation on the changing articulation of the Bhumihar caste associations. The paper also focuses on the emergence of the Bhumihar middle class and points out that through a visible process of culturalisation, the Bhumihars are able to maintain their exclusivity and purported superiority in the contemporary Bihar society even while upholding the mantle of Hindutva unity along with other lower castes.
Exploring the changing forms of caste-violence: A study of Bhumihars in Bihar, India
European Journal of Cultural and Political Sociology
In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of ... more In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of the dominant castes in Bihar, India, as it indicates their complex relationship with important socio-economic and political issues such as land relations, identity assertion and socio economic differentiation, among others. We also pay attention to ideological and moral constructs embedded in the narratives about Bhumihars, which provides legitimacy to their violence. Several narratives and personal interviews have been incorporated in our analysis along with a broader mapping of Bhumihars’ historical engagement with violence as a form of caste assertion and its changing character in the contemporary era marked by ‘backward-caste’ mobilisation and the rise of Hindu right-wing politics in Bihar. Our critical study traces these historical trajectories and points to a decisive shift from Bhumihars’ engagement with direct violence towards a more subtle and symbolic form of violence, often masquerading as their articulation and expression of caste identity.
Journal of Historical Sociology, 2020
This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhu... more This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhumihar caste associations in Bihar by focusing on their relationship with land, political economy, and ideological orientations. As a landowning upper caste, the Bhumihars negotiated with a host of structural as well socio-political transformations in the state primarily by constructing the self-image of a warrior caste holding a Brahmin status. The paper in particular examines the impact of land reforms, violence unleashed by the Bhumihar caste militia during the agrarian unrest and the rise of Backward Caste mobilisation followed by the Hindutva mobilisation on the changing articulation of the Bhumihar caste associations. The paper also focuses on the emergence of the Bhumihar middle class and points out that through a visible process of culturalisation, the Bhumihars are able to maintain their exclusivity and purported superiority in the contemporary Bihar society even while upholding the mantle of Hindutva unity along with other lower castes.
European Journal of Cultural and Political Sociology, 2019
In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of ... more In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of the dominant castes in Bihar, India, as it indicates their complex relationship with important socio-economic and political issues such as land relations, identity assertion and socio economic differentiation, among others. We also pay attention to ideological and moral constructs embedded in the narratives about Bhumihars, which provides legitimacy to their violence. Several narratives and personal interviews have been incorporated in our analysis along with a broader mapping of Bhumihars’ historical
engagement with violence as a form of caste assertion and its changing
character in the contemporary era marked by ‘backward-caste’ mobilisation and the rise of Hindu right-wing politics in Bihar. Our critical study traces these historical trajectories and points to a decisive shift from Bhumihars’ engagement with direct violence towards a more subtle and symbolic form of violence, often masquerading as their articulation and expression of caste identity.
The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity ... more The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity and electoral democracy in Indian socio-political discourse. The theme of this research paper lays its foundation on the intersections of caste and religious mobilisation in India. The spaces of religious mobilization in contemporary Indian politics have been determinately occupied by Hindutva (a form of Hindu nationalism). It is evident that the Hindutva project is precariously positioned on the political agenda of bringing in diverse caste groups and organizing them under an overarching Hindutva religious identity that often labels Muslims and minorities as the "other". The rise of political party such as Bhartiye Janta Party (BJP) on the premises of Hindu nationalism ushered a momentous change in the socio-political landscape of India. Deeply divided by caste Indian society have sustained its historically violent, unjust and unequal form of Hindu social order. Quintessentially, Hindu religion being the doctrine for such stratification has shaped the socio-political identities and differences. This has brought the caste consciousness and religious identities to the fore and more importantly the mobilization of electoral support on the basis of caste and religion as a complex phenomenon. Hence, this research paper aims to unfold the dynamics of caste and religion in contemporary political ambience charged by Hindu nationalist projects.
Book Reviews by Aniket Nandan
Review of Development and Change, 2020
Book Reviews 273 gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as d... more Book Reviews 273 gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as different identities assume prominence in different contexts, while being gendered. Gender is primarily seen as binary, while gender identities need to be seen as a continuum. The 'bubble-up' model is good but needs to go beyond wage, economic federations, employment-led development and local government. The religion, class, caste and gender gaps in wages and division of work have to be addressed, as the gaps in asset base, institutional credit, access to value chains, leadership in producer companies and care services. While women's representation in local government or parliament is a value by itself, there is no assurance that the elected representatives will take up strategic gender, caste or class interests. Body and mind are not dichotomous, and control over women's body has been a tool for subordination. Women need to have control over both and use them for expanding women's agency. Some of Gandhi's arguments (e.g., celibacy is the answer for women's oppression) are problematic. Celibacy denies women's sexual rights unless one accepts sex outside marriage. Overall, the book is a must-read for those working on gender and development. It gives a peep into the history of the women's movement and its making, and interventions of a remarkable woman who had her role in shaping it. My key takeaways are bubble-up, feminist, economic and political models; the contradiction between economic development and rights arm of the UN; and the need to rethink economic concepts from aam aurat. This book deals with a host of issues, such as developmental state, modernisation of education, politics of caste, affirmative action and, most importantly, the conception of merit embedded in upper-caste articulation of superiority and dominance in public spaces akin to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India. Subramanian ingeniously proposes that the upper-caste claims to merit are emblematic of an ongoing 'war of manoeuvre' in reaction against lower-caste assertion (p. 26). The Caste of Merit, chronicling the rise of engineering education in India, illuminates the relationship between engineering education, caste-self formation and notions of merit. This book unravels the project of Identitarianism, not just as politics of the subalterns, but by unpacking the caste-self projected by upper castes entrenched with notions of exclusivity and cultural and moral superiority. Highlighting the intersectionality of caste and class in the course of reproduction of privileges, Subramanian locates IIT-IIT Madras in particular-as a site for
South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies, 2024
This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the northea... more This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the northeastern state of Tripura, India, in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, foregrounding their gender non-conforming identity and the entangled layers of marginalisation they face. We situate the perils of the undocumented Brihannalas during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed lockdown in terms of their sense of belonging, experiences of migration and concerns of livelihood. Furthermore, we examine the everyday precariousness that emerges from their characteristic migration patterns, their experiences of fuzzy spaces at the Indo-Bangladesh border and the absence of documents of legibility. In doing so, we argue that the persistent non-recognition of the undocumented Brihannalas by the state as well as their choice of remaining undocumented-and hence, ambiguoushave co-produced their illegibility and amplified their distress during the pandemic.
Ambiguous Identity and Uncertain Belonging: Assessing the Lives of Undocumented Brihannalas in the Backdrop of the COVID-19 Pandemic
South Asia, Jun 16, 2024
This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the north-e... more This study explores the predicament faced by the undocumented Brihannala community in the north-eastern state of Tripura, India, in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, foregrounding their gender non-conforming identity and the entangled layers of marginalisation they face. We situate the perils of the undocumented Brihannalas during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed lockdown in terms of their sense of belonging, experiences of migration and concerns of livelihood. Furthermore, we examine the everyday precariousness that emerges from their characteristic migration patterns, their experiences of fuzzy spaces at the Indo-Bangladesh border and the absence of documents of legibility. In doing so, we argue that the persistent non-recognition of the undocumented Brihannalas by the state as well as their choice of remaining undocumented—and hence, ambiguous—have co-produced their illegibility and amplified their distress during the pandemic.
Populism and Caste in Contemporary India: Sociopolitical Pragmatisms of Caste Associations
This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of popu... more This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of populist discourses in India. In doing so, the role of caste and its associational structures as a socio-cultural and political category finds significant attention. The essay argues that, in contemporary India, the core value of populism, aimed at addressing the "will of the people" or popular demand of the majority, has found itself stifled in the clutches of "will of the few" who not only reproduce the sociocultural hegemony but have also been able to postulate and dominate epistemic positions. However, this argument is not devoid of the foundation that India indeed witnessed phases of constructive populist discourses, which in present times seem to be enmeshed within the metanarratives of a caste society.
Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024 J. Chacko Chennattuserry et al. (eds.), Encyclopedia of New Populism and Responses in the 21st Century
This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of popu... more This essay assesses the core principles of populism in order to understand the trajectory of populist discourses in India. In doing so, the role of caste and its associational structures as a socio-cultural and political category finds significant attention. The essay argues that, in contemporary India, the core value of populism, aimed at addressing the "will of the people" or popular demand of the majority, has found itself stifled in the clutches of "will of the few" who not only reproduce the sociocultural hegemony but have also been able to postulate and dominate epistemic positions. However, this argument is not devoid of the foundation that India indeed witnessed phases of constructive populist discourses, which in present times seem to be enmeshed within the metanarratives of a caste society.
Book Review: Properties of Rent: Community, Capital and Politics in Globalising Delhi
National Law School Journal
The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity ... more The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity and electoral democracy in Indian socio-political discourse. The theme of this research paper lays its foundation on the intersections of caste and religious mobilisation in India. The spaces of religions mobilization in contemporary Indian politics have been determinately occupied by Hindutva (a form of Hindu nationalism). It is evident that the Hindutva project is precariously positioned on the political agenda of bringing in diverse caste groups and organizing them under an overarching Hindutva religious identity that often labels Muslims and minorities as the "other". The rise of political party such as Bhartiye Janta Party (BJP) on the premises of Hindu nationalism ushered a momentous change in the socio-political landscape of India. Deeply divided by caste Indian society have sustained its historically violent, unjust and unequal form of Hindu social order. Quintessential...
Athens Journal of Social Sciences, 2018
The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity ... more The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity and electoral democracy in Indian socio-political discourse. The theme of this research paper lays its foundation on the intersections of caste and religious mobilisation in India. The spaces of religions mobilization in contemporary Indian politics have been determinately occupied by Hindutva (a form of Hindu nationalism). It is evident that the Hindutva project is precariously positioned on the political agenda of bringing in diverse caste groups and organizing them under an overarching Hindutva religious identity that often labels Muslims and minorities as the "other". The rise of political party such as Bhartiye Janta Party (BJP) on the premises of Hindu nationalism ushered a momentous change in the socio-political landscape of India. Deeply divided by caste Indian society have sustained its historically violent, unjust and unequal form of Hindu social order. Quintessentially, Hindu religion being the doctrine for such stratification has shaped the socio-political identities and differences. This has brought the caste consciousness and religious identities to the fore and more importantly the mobilization of electoral support on the basis of caste and religion as a complex phenomenon. Hence, this research paper aims to unfold the dynamics of caste and religion in contemporary political ambience charged by Hindu nationalist projects.
Ajantha Subramanian, The Caste of Merit: Engineering Education in India
Review of Development and Change, 2020
gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as different identiti... more gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as different identities assume prominence in different contexts, while being gendered. Gender is primarily seen as binary, while gender identities need to be seen as a continuum. The ‘bubble-up’ model is good but needs to go beyond wage, economic federations, employment-led development and local government. The religion, class, caste and gender gaps in wages and division of work have to be addressed, as the gaps in asset base, institutional credit, access to value chains, leadership in producer companies and care services. While women’s representation in local government or parliament is a value by itself, there is no assurance that the elected representatives will take up strategic gender, caste or class interests. Body and mind are not dichotomous, and control over women’s body has been a tool for subordination. Women need to have control over both and use them for expanding women’s agency. Some of Gandhi’s arguments (e.g., celibacy is the answer for women’s oppression) are problematic. Celibacy denies women’s sexual rights unless one accepts sex outside marriage. Overall, the book is a must-read for those working on gender and development. It gives a peep into the history of the women’s movement and its making, and interventions of a remarkable woman who had her role in shaping it. My key takeaways are bubble-up, feminist, economic and political models; the contradiction between economic development and rights arm of the UN; and the need to rethink economic concepts from aam aurat.
A Sociopolitical Alternative for Dalits in Uttar Pradesh and Expectation From It
Contemporary Voice of Dalit
In Indian electoral elections, Uttar Pradesh is one of those states that has witnessed a signific... more In Indian electoral elections, Uttar Pradesh is one of those states that has witnessed a significant emergence of Dalit political awareness in past few decades. Yet in the current electoral climate, they have only been a passing cloud, which further necessitates an overhaul in their political leadership and style of politics. It is in this regard that a discussion on the alternatives for the Dalit politics becomes more important than ever. In such a discussion, one leader who cannot be overlooked is Chandrashekhar Azad ‘Ravan’. Thus, this commentary aims to address the question, what should this alternative represent?
Associational Structures and Beyond: Evolution and Contemporary Articulations of Bhumihar Caste Associations in Bihar, India
Journal of Historical Sociology, 2020
This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhu... more This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhumihar caste associations in Bihar by focusing on their relationship with land, political economy, and ideological orientations. As a landowning upper caste, the Bhumihars negotiated with a host of structural as well socio-political transformations in the state primarily by constructing the self-image of a warrior caste holding a Brahmin status. The paper in particular examines the impact of land reforms, violence unleashed by the Bhumihar caste militia during the agrarian unrest and the rise of Backward Caste mobilisation followed by the Hindutva mobilisation on the changing articulation of the Bhumihar caste associations. The paper also focuses on the emergence of the Bhumihar middle class and points out that through a visible process of culturalisation, the Bhumihars are able to maintain their exclusivity and purported superiority in the contemporary Bihar society even while upholding the mantle of Hindutva unity along with other lower castes.
Exploring the changing forms of caste-violence: A study of Bhumihars in Bihar, India
European Journal of Cultural and Political Sociology
In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of ... more In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of the dominant castes in Bihar, India, as it indicates their complex relationship with important socio-economic and political issues such as land relations, identity assertion and socio economic differentiation, among others. We also pay attention to ideological and moral constructs embedded in the narratives about Bhumihars, which provides legitimacy to their violence. Several narratives and personal interviews have been incorporated in our analysis along with a broader mapping of Bhumihars’ historical engagement with violence as a form of caste assertion and its changing character in the contemporary era marked by ‘backward-caste’ mobilisation and the rise of Hindu right-wing politics in Bihar. Our critical study traces these historical trajectories and points to a decisive shift from Bhumihars’ engagement with direct violence towards a more subtle and symbolic form of violence, often masquerading as their articulation and expression of caste identity.
Journal of Historical Sociology, 2020
This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhu... more This paper examines the historical development, growth, and contemporary articulations of the Bhumihar caste associations in Bihar by focusing on their relationship with land, political economy, and ideological orientations. As a landowning upper caste, the Bhumihars negotiated with a host of structural as well socio-political transformations in the state primarily by constructing the self-image of a warrior caste holding a Brahmin status. The paper in particular examines the impact of land reforms, violence unleashed by the Bhumihar caste militia during the agrarian unrest and the rise of Backward Caste mobilisation followed by the Hindutva mobilisation on the changing articulation of the Bhumihar caste associations. The paper also focuses on the emergence of the Bhumihar middle class and points out that through a visible process of culturalisation, the Bhumihars are able to maintain their exclusivity and purported superiority in the contemporary Bihar society even while upholding the mantle of Hindutva unity along with other lower castes.
European Journal of Cultural and Political Sociology, 2019
In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of ... more In this paper, we reflect on the caste-violence perpetrated on lower castes by Bhumihars, one of the dominant castes in Bihar, India, as it indicates their complex relationship with important socio-economic and political issues such as land relations, identity assertion and socio economic differentiation, among others. We also pay attention to ideological and moral constructs embedded in the narratives about Bhumihars, which provides legitimacy to their violence. Several narratives and personal interviews have been incorporated in our analysis along with a broader mapping of Bhumihars’ historical
engagement with violence as a form of caste assertion and its changing
character in the contemporary era marked by ‘backward-caste’ mobilisation and the rise of Hindu right-wing politics in Bihar. Our critical study traces these historical trajectories and points to a decisive shift from Bhumihars’ engagement with direct violence towards a more subtle and symbolic form of violence, often masquerading as their articulation and expression of caste identity.
The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity ... more The relationship between caste and religion remains to be an important problematic for modernity and electoral democracy in Indian socio-political discourse. The theme of this research paper lays its foundation on the intersections of caste and religious mobilisation in India. The spaces of religious mobilization in contemporary Indian politics have been determinately occupied by Hindutva (a form of Hindu nationalism). It is evident that the Hindutva project is precariously positioned on the political agenda of bringing in diverse caste groups and organizing them under an overarching Hindutva religious identity that often labels Muslims and minorities as the "other". The rise of political party such as Bhartiye Janta Party (BJP) on the premises of Hindu nationalism ushered a momentous change in the socio-political landscape of India. Deeply divided by caste Indian society have sustained its historically violent, unjust and unequal form of Hindu social order. Quintessentially, Hindu religion being the doctrine for such stratification has shaped the socio-political identities and differences. This has brought the caste consciousness and religious identities to the fore and more importantly the mobilization of electoral support on the basis of caste and religion as a complex phenomenon. Hence, this research paper aims to unfold the dynamics of caste and religion in contemporary political ambience charged by Hindu nationalist projects.
Review of Development and Change, 2020
Book Reviews 273 gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as d... more Book Reviews 273 gender inequalities would address all inequalities is somewhat problematic, as different identities assume prominence in different contexts, while being gendered. Gender is primarily seen as binary, while gender identities need to be seen as a continuum. The 'bubble-up' model is good but needs to go beyond wage, economic federations, employment-led development and local government. The religion, class, caste and gender gaps in wages and division of work have to be addressed, as the gaps in asset base, institutional credit, access to value chains, leadership in producer companies and care services. While women's representation in local government or parliament is a value by itself, there is no assurance that the elected representatives will take up strategic gender, caste or class interests. Body and mind are not dichotomous, and control over women's body has been a tool for subordination. Women need to have control over both and use them for expanding women's agency. Some of Gandhi's arguments (e.g., celibacy is the answer for women's oppression) are problematic. Celibacy denies women's sexual rights unless one accepts sex outside marriage. Overall, the book is a must-read for those working on gender and development. It gives a peep into the history of the women's movement and its making, and interventions of a remarkable woman who had her role in shaping it. My key takeaways are bubble-up, feminist, economic and political models; the contradiction between economic development and rights arm of the UN; and the need to rethink economic concepts from aam aurat. This book deals with a host of issues, such as developmental state, modernisation of education, politics of caste, affirmative action and, most importantly, the conception of merit embedded in upper-caste articulation of superiority and dominance in public spaces akin to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India. Subramanian ingeniously proposes that the upper-caste claims to merit are emblematic of an ongoing 'war of manoeuvre' in reaction against lower-caste assertion (p. 26). The Caste of Merit, chronicling the rise of engineering education in India, illuminates the relationship between engineering education, caste-self formation and notions of merit. This book unravels the project of Identitarianism, not just as politics of the subalterns, but by unpacking the caste-self projected by upper castes entrenched with notions of exclusivity and cultural and moral superiority. Highlighting the intersectionality of caste and class in the course of reproduction of privileges, Subramanian locates IIT-IIT Madras in particular-as a site for