As atrocities against Dalits continue to rise, paradoxically, so are the “accommodations” between Dalits and landed upper castes at villages to maintain a status quo. This is mainly owing to the political consolidation of Dalits, turning them into crucial political actors, observed noted scholar James Manor, Emeritus Professor of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, and noted political psychologist Ashis Nandy.
“In my field interviews across 13 regions in the country, I haven’t seen any sympathy for Dalits among OBCs or landed upper castes. There is no change of heart of the villages, what Gandhi wanted. But there is a change of mind. These castes are increasingly accommodating with Dalits, as cost of violence, legal repercussions, and political cost of an atrocity is very high,” said Mr. Manor. Later in the day, Mr. Nandy responding to Mr. Manor, argued that there was indeed change of heart as well and we should have more patience.
He illustrated his argument with caste-free public eateries. He proposed that the ritual aspect of caste was already dead in the public sphere, but caste had turned into a political unit that even the Dalits have accepted.
Mr. Nandy observed that in most cases, those committing atrocities against Dalits today were the OBCs that have climbed up the social hierarchy encashing their numerical strength in a democracy.
“Earlier, Jat boys used to marry Dalit girls and the girls used to become a Jatni. But as the community rose to social prominence, we hear of honour killings for such marriages. Such communities, never considered savarna upper castes even 30 years ago, are insecure and fear losing their new found status if seen mingling with Dalits,” he said.
However, the increasing violence against Dalits, shows their power today, said Mr. Nandy, while, Mr. Manor said that the social tension was owing to the rejection of caste hierarchy by Dalits in a big way, even in villages.
“Elders from Dalit and upper castes are now resolving disputes to maintain peace and status quo. But elders in both caste groups are increasingly being questioned. If they lose their grip, the status quo will also be disturbed,” he further added.
Mr. Nandy observed that there was a cultural renaissance among the Dalits in the last two decades.
“Dalits are not 2D – poor and exploited. They have a culture and voice they are proud of,” he said.
