Gail Omvedt (An excerpt from the book ‘Buddhism in India: Challenging Brahmanism and Caste’) While Nandanar has become well-known only in Tamil Nadu and has had no recorded influence on other bhakti sants, the Chamar or leatherworker, Ravidas, who lived in the 15th century, is one of the most famous of sants in north India and has …
The return to Muthanga
C.K Janu and M. Geethanandan (Written in May 2003) The Adivasi decision is to return to Muthanga. The Adivasis had become victims of untold brutalities. Yet there is no other way but to return. And the Adivasis have been made refugees in their homeland. There are the spirits of the dead in the forestlands of …
I, E.V. Ramaswamy
[On the occasion of Periyar‘s death anniversary (24th December), we remember him through some select quotes from his speeches and writings– Round Table India] ‘I, E.V. Ramaswamy, have taken upon myself the task of reforming Dravidian Society so that it shall be comparable to other societies of the world, in esteem and enlightenment, and I …
Jotirao Phule: Shetkaryaca Asud (Part 8)
Translated by Gail Omvedt and Bharat Patankar Chapter 4 We begin this chapter not by discussing at first the ruined and pitiable state of the toiling ignorant farmers who labour night and day on the land, but rather will give on the occasion an idea of the true condition of those arrogant parading, indebted ignorant Kunbis who, because …
The Self-creation of the Brahmans
Gail Omvedt [An excerpt from the chapter ‘The Background to Buddhism’ in her book, ‘Buddhism in India: Challenging Brahmanism and Caste’] Indian Brahmans as they have evolved over the centuries represent one of the most unique elites that any society has produced. They trace their origins back to Vedic times, where they were priests …
Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal
[What is the ‘Dalit Prerna Sthal’? What is its purpose? Why was it built? The inscription shown in the picture above, displayed prominently in the ‘Rashtriya Dalit Smarak’ (picture below), provides many of the answers. We are publishing here the full text of the inscription for our readers. It was copied by hand, so some …
Religion: Untouchable Lincoln
“Hinduism is not a religion; it is a disease.” One of the few men who have risen from the malodorous sink which is below the lowest caste of India is Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, No. 1 Untouchable. This plump, cheery, bespectacled man of no caste, whose very shadow would outrage high-caste Hindus, managed to get …
Jotirao Phule: Shetkaryaca Asud (Part 7)
Translated by Gail Omvedt and Bharat Patankar After that the Arya Brahmans began to treat with disdain all the Kshudra peasant slaves who had come under their control. They completely stopped giving them education and brought their condition below the level of animals. And since they became illiterate and completely without access to knowledge, the Arya Brahmans plunder …
Why do we choose to forget our past?
Mallepally Lakshmaiah Is there a single village in India which has no Dalit? There could be a few exceptions but we do find Dalits in most parts of India – who have fought the system relentlessly. Every village has produced its very own Dalit social revolutionary but is there any Dalit reformer with a …