Subordinate and Marginal Groups in Early India

by Parasher-Sen, Aloka

• ISBN13: 9780195690897
• ISBN10: 0195690893
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-11-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Part of the prestigious Themes in Indian History series, this volume analyzes the historical roots of social oppression and exclusion of the subordinate and marginal groups that have marked the making of identities in the Indian subcontinent. The book highlights how the Indian civilization dealt with problems of diversity and yet did not let go of hierarchical relations. It has contributions from eminent historians like ROmila Thapar, B.D. Cattopadhyaya, Eleanor Zelliot, and Uma Chakrabarty. The introduction by Aloka Parasher-Sen situates the readings in their ideological and histographical contexts. The second edition contains a new Afterword, which traces the historiography till recent times and brings out the shifts and changes in the study of the subject.

Author Biography

Aloka Parasher-Sen is Professor of History, University of Hyderabad, India.

Table of Contents

Series Notes

Introduction

Subordinate Groups

The Despised Castes: North-East India in Buddha's Time

Slavery in Ancient India: As Depicted in Pali and Sanskrit Texts

Evolution of Untouchability in Tamil Nadu up to AD1600

Candala and the Origin of Untouchability

Women, Men, and Beasts: The Jatakas as Popular Tradition

Chokhamela and Eknath: Two Bhakti Modes of Legitimacy for Modern Change

Marginal Groups

""Foreigner"" and ""Tribe"" as Barbarian (Mlechha) in Early North India

Is there a Tamil Race?

The Tyranny of Labels

Representing the Other? Sanskrit Sources and the Muslims

Vaisnava Perceptions of Muslims in Sixteenth Century Bengal

Afterword

Index

Notes on Contributors

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