Page 9 - Lessonnote_ Social Movement

Dalit Literature:

 In the contemporary period the Dalit movement has unquestionably acquired a place in
the public sphere that cannot be ignored. This has been accompanied by a growing body
of Dalit literature.
 Dalit literature is squarely opposed to the Chaturvarna system and caste hierarchy which
it considers as responsible for crushing the creativity and very existence of lower castes.
 Dalit writers are insistent on using their own imageries and expressions rooted in their
own experiences and perceptions.
 Dalit literature gives a call for social and cultural revolt. While some emphasise the
cultural struggle for dignity and identity, others also bring in the structural features of
society including the economic dimensions.

BACKWARD CLASS CASTES MOVEMENTS

 The term ‘Backward Classes’ has been in use in different parts of the country since the
th
late 19 Century.
 It began to be used more widely in Madras presidency since 1872, in the princely state of
Mysore since 1918, and in Bombay presidency since 1925.
 From the 1920s, a number of organisations united around the issue of caste sprang up in
different parts of the country.
 These included the United Provinces Hindu Backward Classes League, All-India Backward
Classes Federation, All India Backward Classes League.
 In 1954, 88 organisations were counted working for the Backward Classes.

THE UPPER CASTE RESPONSE

 The increasing visibility of both Dalits and other backwards classes has led to a feeling
among sections of the upper caste that they are being given short shrift.
 The government, they feel, does not pay any heed to them because they are numerically
not significant enough. As sociologists, we need to recognise that such a ‘feeling’ does
exist and then we need to scutinise to what extent such an impression is grounded on
empirical facts.
 However, this does not change the massive social reality that the overwhelming majority of
those in the ‘highest’ or most preferred occupations are from the upper castes, while the vast
majority of those in the menial and despised occupations belong to the lowest castes.

THE TRIBAL MOVEMENTS

 Different tribal groups spread across the country may share common issues. But the
distinctions between them are equally significant.
 Many of the tribal movements have been largely located in the so called ‘tribal belt’ in
middle India, such as the Santhals, Hos, Oraons, Mundas in Chota Nagpur and the Santhal
Parganas.