Maharashtrian Dalit Jalse as an Inspiration to Anti-caste Movements: A Reply from Subaltern to Subalternity

Abstract

This article focuses on the Maharashtrian Dalit representation in the popular traditional art form of jalsa and aims to know how Marathi Dalit rangbhoomi/theatre has been used as a source to present stereotypical Dalit untouchability and caste-based issues. A long history of Dalit art from the 1930s to the twenty-first century has been transformed into a creative form for social awakening. Various forms of jalse (like ‘Amberkarite jalse’ and ‘Amberkarite Shahiri’, Powade, Ovi or Lavani later became mostly part of Ambedkari jalse) and their response to subalternity have a significant role in inspiring anti-case movements. These forms have influenced Dalit artists and activists not only in Maharashtra but also across India. Visiting the history of Dalit rangbhoomi demonstrates subalterns’ response to a Dalit subalternity. In addition, this study is very substantial to touch on the uncovered area of Dalit jalse and Qawwali as an anti-caste movement. Only countable articles have been published in English on Maharashtrian jalse. Thus, this research is essential to know the world about Dalit’s contribution to art creativity. This article concludes that oral traditional forms have their own representation style, and their aim is to express Dalits’ pain, injustice and struggle through traditional and modern forms of untouchability.