Inventing caste history: Dalit mobilisation and nationalist past

Abstract

In this article I have tried to show how dalit communities are inventing their caste histories in the present context as stories of self-respect. These self-respect centred histories are continuously being reshaped in today's socio-cultural and political context. Many sources, including archaeological, linguistic and ethnomusical sources, are cited to sub stantiate their authenticity. These histories are not merely presented as narratives; com memorations, celebrations and festivities are also organised around them so that they are ingrained in the memory of the dalits. Local heroes are also created in this process to symbolise the glory of the community. Uda Devi is one such heroic person, who has emerged as a symbol of mobilisation of the dalit communities, especially the Pasis, in their struggle for contemporary socio-political empowerment. The mobilisational poten tialities of such caste histories and heroes are the reason why different political parties have made them an integral element of their modern democratic, electoral and mobil isational discourses. The study focuses on the invention of caste heroes and histories of the Pasi community of Uttar Pradesh, and the political mobilisation centred around them.