Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Vote-buying has become such a frequent kind of electoral ‘malpractice’ in India that it has become conspicuous in election culture. Despite this, we know very little about how it operates, its consequences, and how voters perceive it. While there is a significant body of literature on vote-buying in Indian elections, the research focuses specifically on attendance buying and its impact on diverse demographic groups and caste categories. By examining attendance buying, the research adds to the existing literature on vote-buying tactics, which can inform future studies and policy interventions to reduce electoral malpractice. We investigate and add to the contemporary literature on vote buying by analysing attendance buying and how it relates to diverse perspectives like low income, age, gender and education or regarding it, focusing on two different categories of caste, that is, dominant and Scheduled Caste. We conducted a survey experiment in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal to seek the effect of attendance-buying in the municipalities of Ashokenagar. The focus is on attending middle-sized political meetings rather than smaller meetings, where we thought its efficacy was prominent because of the number of free food and drinks. We found that the effect of the free foods and drinks over the larger meetings is more prominent than in local-level meetings. Our survey could not state that Scheduled Castes voluntarily engage at local-level meetings regardless of free food and drinks.
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Local Economy and Forest-based Livelihood in Gandhamardan Region of Western Odisha
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Natural forests play a key role in maintaining the planet’s ecosystems and are also crucial to rural livelihoods, particularly in less developed nations. Indigenous groups still need access to contemporary conveniences and possibilities for employment in remote parts of less developed nations. As a result, the use of forests significantly contributes to household subsistence and income. The economic impact of forest resources on the millions of rural households close to forests has recently been the research focus. This study aims to quantify the distributional influence of forest revenue on economic inequality among rural families in the Gandhamardan Hill area of the Balangir and Bargarh districts of Odisha. It also sought to ascertain absolute and relative forest income. The primary data or information were gathered by utilizing focus groups, direct interviews, structured household-level surveys, and key informant interviews. The results showed that 61.9% of the households in the sample engaged in activities related to the forest. Most of the local population participates in agriculture and forestry as the main source of livelihood. After agriculture revenue, forest income represented the second-most significant income portfolio. The income share for bushmeat was larger than the income share for other forest products. The economic disparity among the studied families was reduced by forest income. Therefore, restricting forest access would negatively affect rural people’s welfare and widen economic gaps. The knowledge from the current study is crucial for creating sustainable forest management policies and strategies that will preserve and increase the economic value of using forests without jeopardizing biodiversity preservation.
Natural forests play a key role in maintaining the planet’s ecosystems and are also crucial to rural livelihoods, particularly in less developed nations. Indigenous groups still need access to contemporary conveniences and possibilities for employment in remote parts of less developed nations. As a result, the use of forests significantly contributes to household subsistence and income. The economic impact of forest resources on the millions of rural households close to forests has recently been the research focus. This study aims to quantify the distributional influence of forest revenue on economic inequality among rural families in the Gandhamardan Hill area of the Balangir and Bargarh districts of Odisha. It also sought to ascertain absolute and relative forest income. The primary data or information were gathered by utilizing focus groups, direct interviews, structured household-level surveys, and key informant interviews. The results showed that 61.9% of the households in the sample engaged in activities related to the forest. Most of the local population participates in agriculture and forestry as the main source of livelihood. After agriculture revenue, forest income represented the second-most significant income portfolio. The income share for bushmeat was larger than the income share for other forest products. The economic disparity among the studied families was reduced by forest income. Therefore, restricting forest access would negatively affect rural people’s welfare and widen economic gaps. The knowledge from the current study is crucial for creating sustainable forest management policies and strategies that will preserve and increase the economic value of using forests without jeopardizing biodiversity preservation.
Encroachment of Tribal Culture and Representations of Their Struggle
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
India is the homeland for a great number of indigenous people, who have remained intact despite modern lifestyles and these ethnic groups are known as Tribes or Native people. India’s ethnographic tradition is marked by the culture of various Tribes. The tribal struggle after independence can be divided into three categories: struggles that arise due to encroachment by outsiders, struggles as a result of economic hardships and the struggles as a result of separatist attitudes that cause conflict. The key issues faced by them are poverty, debt, illiteracy, slavery, exploitation, sickness and unemployment. Many countries around the world have witnessed industrialization along the tribal belts, resulting in core changes in the tribal culture. The present study analyses the history, cultures and the struggles faced by the tribes based on works of Mahasweta Devi and Gopinath Mohanty.
India is the homeland for a great number of indigenous people, who have remained intact despite modern lifestyles and these ethnic groups are known as Tribes or Native people. India’s ethnographic tradition is marked by the culture of various Tribes. The tribal struggle after independence can be divided into three categories: struggles that arise due to encroachment by outsiders, struggles as a result of economic hardships and the struggles as a result of separatist attitudes that cause conflict. The key issues faced by them are poverty, debt, illiteracy, slavery, exploitation, sickness and unemployment. Many countries around the world have witnessed industrialization along the tribal belts, resulting in core changes in the tribal culture. The present study analyses the history, cultures and the struggles faced by the tribes based on works of Mahasweta Devi and Gopinath Mohanty.
Manual Scavenging in Urban Tamil Nadu: An Indelible Blot on Dalit Women with Respect to Caste Discrimination
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
We are presently living in a world that is striving for development with each flicker of our eyelids. The world might be changing, but a large portion of the discernments are not. This article addresses the profundity of the most sensitive issue of basic freedom infringement of ‘Manual Scavengers’. In the rouse of basic rights evolving widely, there is ceaseless conversation about laws on manual scavenging being based on the convergence of caste and labour. Conducted among 152 women manual scavengers in urban Chennai, this article features the caste-based act of manual scavenging, which is a type of constrained work in the pretence of caste assignment, the types of caste discriminations faced and the challenges and factors associated with it. This study also recommends suggestions for the elimination of the endlessly evil practice of manual scavenging. The personal encounters of manual scavengers in Chennai illustrate the corresponding cycle of caste discrimination and untouchability.
We are presently living in a world that is striving for development with each flicker of our eyelids. The world might be changing, but a large portion of the discernments are not. This article addresses the profundity of the most sensitive issue of basic freedom infringement of ‘Manual Scavengers’. In the rouse of basic rights evolving widely, there is ceaseless conversation about laws on manual scavenging being based on the convergence of caste and labour. Conducted among 152 women manual scavengers in urban Chennai, this article features the caste-based act of manual scavenging, which is a type of constrained work in the pretence of caste assignment, the types of caste discriminations faced and the challenges and factors associated with it. This study also recommends suggestions for the elimination of the endlessly evil practice of manual scavenging. The personal encounters of manual scavengers in Chennai illustrate the corresponding cycle of caste discrimination and untouchability.
Framing Dalits in Sikh Religion and History
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
This work is an enquiry into the role and status of the Dalits or the Untouchable castes among the Sikhs. An attempt has been made to trace the ‘Dalit history’ with reference to the works dealing with the issues of caste and Dalits in the Sikh social system. The various sections of the article have covered studies which, on the one hand, emphasize on the denial of the caste system among the Sikhs, highlighting its egalitarian nature and on the other hand there are studies focusing on the existence of caste in Sikhism.
This work is an enquiry into the role and status of the Dalits or the Untouchable castes among the Sikhs. An attempt has been made to trace the ‘Dalit history’ with reference to the works dealing with the issues of caste and Dalits in the Sikh social system. The various sections of the article have covered studies which, on the one hand, emphasize on the denial of the caste system among the Sikhs, highlighting its egalitarian nature and on the other hand there are studies focusing on the existence of caste in Sikhism.
Caste, Resistance, and Religion: A Critical Study of ‘Making of Matuaism’
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Matuaism developed into a full-grown organized religion in the beginning of twentieth century, and a popular religion in contemporary time. Its genesis and development has sparked many questions and concerns for the simple reason that, a large section of Namasudra people got organized under a leadership of two anti-caste leaders of Bengal, namely Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, and invented a new religion for the so-called untouchables of Bengal. The present article is an attempt to historicize the nascent journey of Matuaism from second half of nineteenth century till present time, and to critically evaluate its religious doctrine that primarily dismantles Brahminical hegemony as enunciated and canonized in the Rig Veda and other religious texts. Drawing within the framework of anti-caste movements, the present article evaluates Matuaism as a resistant religion to Brahminical hegemony on the one hand, and justifies its theology as a praxis solely devoted to public welfare and utilitarianism on the other. The so-called untouchables of Bengal who did not have any social identity and respect, invented their own religion and secured their social and cultural identity through authentic representation of their religious culture.
Matuaism developed into a full-grown organized religion in the beginning of twentieth century, and a popular religion in contemporary time. Its genesis and development has sparked many questions and concerns for the simple reason that, a large section of Namasudra people got organized under a leadership of two anti-caste leaders of Bengal, namely Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, and invented a new religion for the so-called untouchables of Bengal. The present article is an attempt to historicize the nascent journey of Matuaism from second half of nineteenth century till present time, and to critically evaluate its religious doctrine that primarily dismantles Brahminical hegemony as enunciated and canonized in the Rig Veda and other religious texts. Drawing within the framework of anti-caste movements, the present article evaluates Matuaism as a resistant religion to Brahminical hegemony on the one hand, and justifies its theology as a praxis solely devoted to public welfare and utilitarianism on the other. The so-called untouchables of Bengal who did not have any social identity and respect, invented their own religion and secured their social and cultural identity through authentic representation of their religious culture.
Unearthing the Conflict of Induced Displacement of Dalits and Tribals in Kashipur: Critical Insight into Utkal Alumina International Limited Operation
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Development-induced-displacement (DID) in remote locations has jeopardized the welfare of Tribal and Dalit communities (TDC), which has reached a magnitude and frequency that requires immediate attention and worldwide significance. Therefore, the current study seeks to explore the impact of forced displacement on tribal identity, culture and traditional sources of livelihood in the establishment of Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) in Kashipur (Odisha). The study has addressed three objectives: (a) to what extent did politicizing the UAIL operation by the upper-caste community altered the compensatory R&R (rehabilitation and resettlement) benefits received by TDC, (b) to measure the impact of displacement and the extent of loss of livelihood caused by UAIL and (c) to what extent tribal identity, culture and livelihood security been eroded in the process of UAIL establishment. Amid the essentiality for balanced reconciliation between displacement and resettlement, the study found that the impact of DID is not homogenous on society but has affected the TDC differently due to corrupt intervention of upper-caste officials, resulting in delayed or denied compensation. The study recommends an immediate requirement of risk reversal explicit strategies backed up by adequate financing for reconstructing and improving the livelihood of displaced masses.
Development-induced-displacement (DID) in remote locations has jeopardized the welfare of Tribal and Dalit communities (TDC), which has reached a magnitude and frequency that requires immediate attention and worldwide significance. Therefore, the current study seeks to explore the impact of forced displacement on tribal identity, culture and traditional sources of livelihood in the establishment of Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) in Kashipur (Odisha). The study has addressed three objectives: (a) to what extent did politicizing the UAIL operation by the upper-caste community altered the compensatory R&R (rehabilitation and resettlement) benefits received by TDC, (b) to measure the impact of displacement and the extent of loss of livelihood caused by UAIL and (c) to what extent tribal identity, culture and livelihood security been eroded in the process of UAIL establishment. Amid the essentiality for balanced reconciliation between displacement and resettlement, the study found that the impact of DID is not homogenous on society but has affected the TDC differently due to corrupt intervention of upper-caste officials, resulting in delayed or denied compensation. The study recommends an immediate requirement of risk reversal explicit strategies backed up by adequate financing for reconstructing and improving the livelihood of displaced masses.
An Exploratory Study of Scheduled Caste Undergraduate Students in Jammu and Kashmir
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Scheduled caste is a backward section of Indian society. The educational resources and benefits provided to the scheduled castes constitute a substantial community. The population is still socially and educationally lagging behind other sections of society. Educational backwardness is the indicator of socio-economic inequalities in the structure of the Indian social order. Thus, in the present article, an attempt has been made to study the enrolment and dropout rate of scheduled caste undergraduate students in Jammu and Kashmir. The primary data in the present study has been collected from various colleges in the Doda and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The findings of the study discovered a significant difference in the enrolment of scheduled caste male and female students. Furthermore, the dropout of male scheduled caste students was found highest as compared to females; however, the dropout rate of scheduled caste students is decreasing every year concerning both genders.
Scheduled caste is a backward section of Indian society. The educational resources and benefits provided to the scheduled castes constitute a substantial community. The population is still socially and educationally lagging behind other sections of society. Educational backwardness is the indicator of socio-economic inequalities in the structure of the Indian social order. Thus, in the present article, an attempt has been made to study the enrolment and dropout rate of scheduled caste undergraduate students in Jammu and Kashmir. The primary data in the present study has been collected from various colleges in the Doda and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The findings of the study discovered a significant difference in the enrolment of scheduled caste male and female students. Furthermore, the dropout of male scheduled caste students was found highest as compared to females; however, the dropout rate of scheduled caste students is decreasing every year concerning both genders.
Role of Panchayati Raj Institution and Tribal Rights in Forest Resources Management: A Study of Mayurbhanj District of Odisha
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
Most tribal people have been living in forest areas but do not officially permit rights to their homes, lands and livelihoods. India is the land of tribes, constituting 8.6% of its population. Tribes have been closely related to the forest, and their life and livelihood depend on the availability of forest resources in India. Forest ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, watershed protection and the livelihood of indigenous communities. In Odisha, the forest has become and is considered a potential natural resource. Forests have been interdependent and interrelated for the tribal people in Odisha for generations. According to the well-being of the tribal people, they have depended on their habits, culture and style of life in the forests through separable entities like forest and tribal culture. Everything in the forest has been fulfilled, including social, economic, cultural, religious and medicinal needs, which the forest dwellers require. Aside from the aspects mentioned above, the study investigates the role of Panchayati Raj institutions in managing forest resources for the benefit of tribal people. It focuses on the tribe members’ level of awareness following the passage of the Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Area Act.
Most tribal people have been living in forest areas but do not officially permit rights to their homes, lands and livelihoods. India is the land of tribes, constituting 8.6% of its population. Tribes have been closely related to the forest, and their life and livelihood depend on the availability of forest resources in India. Forest ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, watershed protection and the livelihood of indigenous communities. In Odisha, the forest has become and is considered a potential natural resource. Forests have been interdependent and interrelated for the tribal people in Odisha for generations. According to the well-being of the tribal people, they have depended on their habits, culture and style of life in the forests through separable entities like forest and tribal culture. Everything in the forest has been fulfilled, including social, economic, cultural, religious and medicinal needs, which the forest dwellers require. Aside from the aspects mentioned above, the study investigates the role of Panchayati Raj institutions in managing forest resources for the benefit of tribal people. It focuses on the tribe members’ level of awareness following the passage of the Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Area Act.
Glimpses from the Anthropological Odyssey of B. R. Ambedkar Through the Caste System in India
Contemporary Voice of Dalit, Ahead of Print.
B. R. Ambedkar’s original research on the caste system in India is an unexplored area. In this article, an attempt has been made to appreciate the views of Ambedkar on the origin of the caste system in India and the relationship of the anthropological milieu of the United States of America during the time of Franz Boas in shaping his thoughts. Ambedkar gave importance on the endogamy of caste superimposed on tribal exogamy, and he maintained an academic detachment from his painful personal experiences, while presenting his seminar paper on caste at Columbia University, USA.
B. R. Ambedkar’s original research on the caste system in India is an unexplored area. In this article, an attempt has been made to appreciate the views of Ambedkar on the origin of the caste system in India and the relationship of the anthropological milieu of the United States of America during the time of Franz Boas in shaping his thoughts. Ambedkar gave importance on the endogamy of caste superimposed on tribal exogamy, and he maintained an academic detachment from his painful personal experiences, while presenting his seminar paper on caste at Columbia University, USA.