"Ideology, protest and social mobility"

[4:30 pm, 13/02/2022] Govind Sahu: Time has shown institution of untouchability as a cancer in the body politic of Hinduism. The underdogs of the country had to struggle against various exploitative elements in the society. The ideological component of their protest and its dynamics had, however, not been clarified in a comprehensive fashion as protests of lower classes are rarely recorded.

In the present book, Dr. Joseph Mathew unflolds the fascinating story of the awaken ing of Mahars in Maharashtra and Pulayas of Kerala-which represents a landmark in the history of Scheduled Caste Movements in India. This indepth study by the author based on extensive field work analyses the cumulative disabilities of these caste cate gories in Maharashtra and Kerala at their levels, viz, socio-cultural, political and economic; traces the history of their various organisations and role played by their leaders-particularly the role of Dr. Ambedkar, an exemplary figure of Modern India and the "Saviour of Untouchables" and his leading Mahars to conversion to Buddhism as a protest; Mahatma Gandhi and Aiyyankali the millitant "Dalit Panthers" of Maharashtra; the Pulayas struggles and the attitude of the Caste Hindus towards these struggles. In addition, the study provides in formed glimpse on the difference between the Backward Castes and Scheduled Castes, reservation policy for services and seats in Central and State legislative forums and con cludes that vigorous movements organised by Mahars and Pulayas made them aware of the need to respond to State measures more than any other caste and had led to their social mobility.

This book would arouse interest not only in scholars and students of sociology, anthropology, discerning public but also those interested in the uplift of weaker sections.