AMBEDKAR AND DALIT MOVEMENT: Special Reference to Rajasthan

The emergence of the Ambedkarite movement has been one of the most significant developments in Rajasthan since 1930s. The present study examines the emergence, ideology and programme, mobilisational strategies and spread of the Ambedkarite movement, against the backdrop of two important changes witnessed in the state since the early 1930s: a wave of Dalit assertion and grass-roots activism. It is based upon extensive field work and interviews with the initiators of the movement and generation of post-independence educated, upwardly mobile, socially aware and politically conscious Dalits.

While tracing the socio-political history of the Ambedkarite movement and conversion to Buddhism over 75 years, the study presents an account of Dalits’ endeavours, encounters and experiences. It provides an understanding of the impact of Ambedkar speeches and agitations on both Dalits and Indian politics and challenges the tenor of ritual power that defines Hinduism differently.

While highlighting its considerable achievements evident in Rajasthan Dalit communities today, the study also explores the reasons for the limitation of the Ambedkarite movement.

Perhaps the only scholarly work on Ambedkarite movement in Rajasthan, it will be of interest to sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists and all those engaged in Dalit Studies.

Shyamlal is Vice Chancellor, Patna University, Patna (Bihar). He was previously Vice Chancellor of Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur and also acting Vice Chancellor of University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. He also held the post of Chairman, Drafting Committee, Ambedkar Foundation, Department of Art, Literature and Culture, Government of Rajasthan. Earlier, he served as Professor and Head, Department of Sociology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur and Chairman, Institute of Social Research and Applied Anthropology, Calcutta. He has also been Director of Social Science Research Centre, University of Rajasthan for many years. He is the recipient of ICSSR’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Fellowship for 2003-04 and 2004-05.

Professor Shyamlal is a prolific writer, and has to his credit, 17 books and more than 50 research papers published in various journals and volumes.