Politics of the Untouchables Congress and the Bhangis: A Socio-Political Analysis

by Lal, Shyam

• ISBN13: 9788131607688
• ISBN10: 8131607682
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2016-04-01
• Publisher: Rawat Publications

Summary

Right from the pre-Independence period, the untouchables throughout the country, and Bhangis in particular, have remained with the Gandhi Congress. Congress's aim was to provide dalits socio-economic and political justice, equality, liberty and dignity of life. Socially Bhangis are the lowest of the low, untouchable among untouchables, economically poorest and politically nowhere in the state of Rajasthan. The Bhangis expected that Congress, as party in power and saviour of dalits, would play the role of interventionist to bring about social transformation and liberate them from the shackles of bondage and deprivation based on birth. But even after six decades of independence, considerable discrimination prevails. So far, scholarly accounts of Bhangis have been few in number and limited in their coverage. This study offers a great variety of academic perspectives and a broader range of observation. Covering socio-political transformation in Rajasthan over last six decades, the book offers discussion on seminal issues, such as: What changes have taken place in socio-economic and educational status of Bhangis? What role has the mainstream parties, particularly the Congress, played in the process? Why are Bhangis deserting the 130 years old affiliation with Gandhi Congress, and how are the Bhangis reacting to Congress actions? This book will interest all those concerned with the upliftment of untouchables and their emerging political scenario in the country. [Subject: India Studies, Politics, Sociology]