Subversion as Revenge: an Alternative Reading of Hegemonic Culture by Dalits in India

Ruchi Singh

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Chapter 8 Subversion as Revenge: an Alternative Reading of Hegemonic Culture by Dalits in India

In: Eight Faces of Revenge

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Ruchi Singh

Ruchi Singh
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 96–110

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004380257_009

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Abstract

The social structure of India is hierarchically stratified into four castes – Brahmins, Khastriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Outside this caste system exists the fifth category, the Atishudras. The Brahmins, Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas are called the Savarna/upper caste/superior caste. The Shudra-Atishudra, together called the Avarna/Dalits, lived, and in many places, continue to live, on the fringes of society. They are considered polluted and impure and subjected to discrimination on grounds of untouchability. For generations, Dalits have been forced to live uncultured, ignorant, unlettered, untouchable lives. Dalits seek retribution for the humiliation, shame, contempt and indignity that they have faced for centuries in a society based on the obnoxious caste system. Dalits started their struggle to liberate themselves from the caste system and subjugation by the Savarna by refusing to provide legitimacy and consent to their dominant ideology. Subversion of the hegemonic culture is one of the most effective forms of revenge in a civil society. Subversion refers to reversal of established values and traditions of the dominant system and insertion of alternative belief systems. To challenge the legitimacy of caste system and demolish the cultural hegemony of the Savarna, the Dalits have attempted a subversion of the dominant cultural forces and avenge themselves through subversive revolutionary practices. Their mission is to discredit the caste system and demolish hierarchical structures. In the process, they have evolved a counter-hegemonic culture that defies the authority of the Savarna and has the revolutionary potential to fracture the foundations of dominant power groups. My focus in this paper is to investigate the subversive strategies employed by the Dalits to challenge the caste system in India and in the process create a counter-hegemonic culture in response to the Savarna hegemonic culture.

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Eight Faces of Revenge

Series: At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries, Volume: 105

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004380257

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 15 Nov 2018

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - Social & Political Philosophy
- Social Sciences
  - Cultural Studies

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Chapter 8 Subversion as Revenge: an Alternative Reading of Hegemonic Culture by Dalits in India

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Eight Faces of Revenge

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