New social and political movements of dalits: A study of Meerut district

Abstract

This study, based upon fieldwork in selected villages, examines 'new'forms of dalit asser tion in Meerut district. Despite a long history of dalit assertion, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has not been electorally successful in this region, and has had to compete with the Samajwadi Party. Dalit assertion here has taken different forms, as much socio-cultural as political. Two forms analysed here are the desire for education to compete with upper castes, and attempts to control local politics and resource distribution through the new panchayats. The study shows that the traditional structures of rural dominance based upon land and social status are undergoing change. The traditionally dominant position of the Rajputs, Jats and Gujars has been challenged by the dalits, and to a lesser extent by the 'Most Backward Castes' (MBCs), but identity assertion and desire for upward mobility have also created conflict between the dalits and the MBCs. The article concludes that socio-cultural and political assertion by dalits at the grassroots level is of greater signifi cance and more helpful to the BSP in establishing itself as a party/movement, than are its electoral successes or capture of political power in the state.