Empowering Periphery from Below

Abstract

This paper argues that Dalit identity formation processes in contemporary East Punjab can easily be perceived in mutifaceted activites being undertaken by an all-pervasive and potent agency of Dalit Deras especially Ravidass Deras. These Deras over the last few years have been making concerted efforts towards occupying easily available distinct Dalit space in the peripheries of the villages of this borderland state of North India. Ravidass Deras have been seen as centres off ast emerging Dalit religious domain in the otherwise religion dominated society of Punjab where till recently Dalits were invariably considered as part of one or the other mainstream religion in the state. But the fast expanding constituency of such Deras among Dalits and their consequent confrontation with the dominant religion in the state forced some of the groups within Dalit communities of the region to seek and establish their separate Dalit identity basically based on their indigenous religious ethos deeply rooted in the egalitarian teachings of sant Ravidass of the famous North Indian Bhakti movement, who they reverently consider Guru (mentor/perceptor).