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Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India
CLEAR-SIGHTED, METICULOUSLY RESEARCHED, MEASURED AND NUANCED, THIS IS A HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED HISTORY OF CASTE.
In this masterful work, Manoj Mitta examines the endurance and violence of the Hindu caste system through the lens of the law. Linking two centuries of legal reform with social movements, he unearths the characters, speeches, confusions and decisions that have shaped the war on caste, mitigating how this ancient institution discriminated between Hindus across the board. Where they could live, how they could dress, whether they could go to a shop, a stream, walk a street or mingle, enter a temple, whom and how they could marry, which scriptures applied to whom, whether their actions, innocent or criminal, would attract punishment or impunity.
Describing brilliantly the passage of Hinduism into its modern avatar, the book celebrates women and men across the caste spectrum—pioneers Savitribai Phule, M.C. Rajah, R. Veerian, B.R. Ambedkar, Vithalbhai Patel and others—and outside of the caste system, such as non-Hindu legislators and administrators, including Maneckji Dadabhoy, William Bentinck and Lord Willingdon. It re-examines the positions of leading lights such as Motilal Nehru, Thomas Munro, Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajagopalachari, and shows why caste prejudice cleaves to names like Madan Mohan Malviya and Surendra Nath Banerjea.
Through these histories of reform, Mitta establishes that untouchability is merely the best-known aspect of of varna, an elusive purity-based hierarchy that affects the freedoms of all. With ground-breaking discoveries and incisive insight, Caste Pride is at once moving, enlightening and transformative.
Manoj Mitta is a Delhi-based journalist focusing on law, human rights and social justice. A law graduate from Hyderabad, he has worked with the Times of India, the Indian Express and India Today.
In this masterful work, Manoj Mitta examines the endurance and violence of the Hindu caste system through the lens of the law. Linking two centuries of legal reform with social movements, he unearths the characters, speeches, confusions and decisions that have shaped the war on caste, mitigating how this ancient institution discriminated between Hindus across the board. Where they could live, how they could dress, whether they could go to a shop, a stream, walk a street or mingle, enter a temple, whom and how they could marry, which scriptures applied to whom, whether their actions, innocent or criminal, would attract punishment or impunity.
Describing brilliantly the passage of Hinduism into its modern avatar, the book celebrates women and men across the caste spectrum—pioneers Savitribai Phule, M.C. Rajah, R. Veerian, B.R. Ambedkar, Vithalbhai Patel and others—and outside of the caste system, such as non-Hindu legislators and administrators, including Maneckji Dadabhoy, William Bentinck and Lord Willingdon. It re-examines the positions of leading lights such as Motilal Nehru, Thomas Munro, Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajagopalachari, and shows why caste prejudice cleaves to names like Madan Mohan Malviya and Surendra Nath Banerjea.
Through these histories of reform, Mitta establishes that untouchability is merely the best-known aspect of of varna, an elusive purity-based hierarchy that affects the freedoms of all. With ground-breaking discoveries and incisive insight, Caste Pride is at once moving, enlightening and transformative.
Manoj Mitta is a Delhi-based journalist focusing on law, human rights and social justice. A law graduate from Hyderabad, he has worked with the Times of India, the Indian Express and India Today.
716 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2023
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470 people want to read
About the author
Manoj Mitta
4 books18 followersManoj Mitta is a senior editor with the Times Of India, writing on legal, human rights and public policy issues. In 2007, he co-authored When A Tree Shook Delhi, a critically acclaimed book on fact-finding done by official agencies in the wake of the 1984 anti-Sikh carnage. A law graduate, Mitta worked earlier with the Indian Express and India Today. He lives in Noida.
He is the only one to have written books on the two biggest instances of communal violence: When a Tree Shook Delhi: The 1984 carnage and its Aftermath (2007) and The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra (2014).
He is the only one to have written books on the two biggest instances of communal violence: When a Tree Shook Delhi: The 1984 carnage and its Aftermath (2007) and The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra (2014).
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 1, 2023
Some books are meant to be read slow and over time ! This book that deals with the intersection of caste and law one of them - I took 4 months on this and every minute has been an education and revelation of sorts .
The author traces the journey of the fight for equality in in india’s enduring caste system, by diving into archival materials on case law and debates that took place over centuries . Untouchability , child marriage , inheritance or inter caste marriage - using these issues he brings out the battles between the progressives and conservatives . It chronicles the contributions of unsung heroes of the time as well as throws light on some darker sides of popular leaders of the freedom struggle .
The Arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice - but doesn’t bend on it’s own ! Through this book the author gives out a larger message that social change is hard and slow and it remains our duty to continue to fight those battles even if we don’t see success in the near term !
The author traces the journey of the fight for equality in in india’s enduring caste system, by diving into archival materials on case law and debates that took place over centuries . Untouchability , child marriage , inheritance or inter caste marriage - using these issues he brings out the battles between the progressives and conservatives . It chronicles the contributions of unsung heroes of the time as well as throws light on some darker sides of popular leaders of the freedom struggle .
The Arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice - but doesn’t bend on it’s own ! Through this book the author gives out a larger message that social change is hard and slow and it remains our duty to continue to fight those battles even if we don’t see success in the near term !
March 13, 2024
Expansive, thorough and sharp. This is massive in its scope but very tight and incisive. I think he does a great job of walking us through history as various lawmakers, Dalits and otherwise, try to carve out a space in the equality section of the constitution, as well as the religion itself. The fact that there is a very tight overlap of "Church" and "State" as is evident from that temple entry article in the constitution itself shows what a difficult job the drafting of the law is.
It is quite academic, but its narrative is deftly arranged. Not to pick and choose, but the sections on breast covering, Sati temple entry, caste violence and judicial erasure, and untouchability as a topic of legislature were by far my favorite. Lots of TILs too.
It is quite academic, but its narrative is deftly arranged. Not to pick and choose, but the sections on breast covering, Sati temple entry, caste violence and judicial erasure, and untouchability as a topic of legislature were by far my favorite. Lots of TILs too.
August 20, 2025
A legal history diving into more than a century of battles that figure caste front and centre. Some battles are fought against the evil of caste, hoping to use evolving legal machinery as a corrective on traditions that enshrine inequality. Other battles are fought in favour of strengthening caste as an institution by obtaining legal sanction for ancient oppressive customs. Since these battles are fought on the legal terrain, the two kinds of battles almost always manifest in a single case in the form of the defence and prosecution, or in (pre and post colonial) legislating bodies with ministers speaking for and against.
So who is defending caste? This book lays bare the caste pride and entitlement of Savarna castes that fought (and are fighting) to maintain their 'scripture-ordained' power. Reading this will make anti-caste leaders, many of whom haven't got their due, more valiant in your estimation, and caste supremacists and status-quo defenders even more reprehensible for the authority they claim they possess.
So who is defending caste? This book lays bare the caste pride and entitlement of Savarna castes that fought (and are fighting) to maintain their 'scripture-ordained' power. Reading this will make anti-caste leaders, many of whom haven't got their due, more valiant in your estimation, and caste supremacists and status-quo defenders even more reprehensible for the authority they claim they possess.
July 2, 2023
A remarkably passionate account of British Colonial Legislations and Legal Cases involving Caste, something that most studies of India’s legal history have ignored.
August 16, 2023
"Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India" by Manoj Mitta is a masterful exploration of the Hindu caste system's endurance and violence through a legal lens. The book delves into two centuries of legal reform and social movements, uncovering the complex characters, speeches, decisions, and confusions that have shaped the ongoing war against caste discrimination.
Mitta adeptly traces the evolution of the Hindu caste system, highlighting its impact on various aspects of life. The narrative beautifully weaves together stories of pioneers such as Savitribai Phule, M.C. Rajah, B.R. Ambedkar, and others, showing their contributions towards dismantling the caste-based hierarchy.
Mitta's writing is both scholarly and engaging. His ability to dissect legal intricacies while maintaining reader engagement is commendable. The blend of historical anecdotes, legal analyses, and personal stories creates a captivating narrative.
The book not only introduces us to historical figures but also illuminates ideas that have played pivotal roles in challenging the caste system. The exploration of reformists, leaders, and activists from diverse backgrounds enriches the narrative.
Mitta presents a coherent and well-structured account of the evolution of caste struggles over time. The chronological progression aids in understanding the gradual transformation of Hinduism and its interactions with modernity.
The book explores the multifaceted themes of equality, justice, and the struggle for human rights. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of caste-based discrimination and how its remnants persist even in contemporary times.
"Caste Pride" is emotionally impactful as it reveals the resilience and determination of those who fought against the caste system. The personal stories and struggles evoke empathy and admiration for their courage.
Mitta's meticulous research and attention to detail shine through, making this book a comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of caste dynamics in India. The inclusion of lesser-known figures adds depth to the narrative.
While the book covers a wide spectrum, it occasionally becomes overwhelming due to its breadth of historical information and numerous personalities.
"Caste Pride" is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that delves deep into the societal battles against caste-based discrimination. It provides a balanced view of historical figures, legal cases, and their impact on social transformation.
In "Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India," Manoj Mitta successfully navigates the intricate landscape of caste dynamics, offering readers an insightful perspective on India's ongoing journey towards social equality. This book is a valuable addition to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the struggle for a caste-free society.
Mitta adeptly traces the evolution of the Hindu caste system, highlighting its impact on various aspects of life. The narrative beautifully weaves together stories of pioneers such as Savitribai Phule, M.C. Rajah, B.R. Ambedkar, and others, showing their contributions towards dismantling the caste-based hierarchy.
Mitta's writing is both scholarly and engaging. His ability to dissect legal intricacies while maintaining reader engagement is commendable. The blend of historical anecdotes, legal analyses, and personal stories creates a captivating narrative.
The book not only introduces us to historical figures but also illuminates ideas that have played pivotal roles in challenging the caste system. The exploration of reformists, leaders, and activists from diverse backgrounds enriches the narrative.
Mitta presents a coherent and well-structured account of the evolution of caste struggles over time. The chronological progression aids in understanding the gradual transformation of Hinduism and its interactions with modernity.
The book explores the multifaceted themes of equality, justice, and the struggle for human rights. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of caste-based discrimination and how its remnants persist even in contemporary times.
"Caste Pride" is emotionally impactful as it reveals the resilience and determination of those who fought against the caste system. The personal stories and struggles evoke empathy and admiration for their courage.
Mitta's meticulous research and attention to detail shine through, making this book a comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of caste dynamics in India. The inclusion of lesser-known figures adds depth to the narrative.
While the book covers a wide spectrum, it occasionally becomes overwhelming due to its breadth of historical information and numerous personalities.
"Caste Pride" is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that delves deep into the societal battles against caste-based discrimination. It provides a balanced view of historical figures, legal cases, and their impact on social transformation.
In "Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India," Manoj Mitta successfully navigates the intricate landscape of caste dynamics, offering readers an insightful perspective on India's ongoing journey towards social equality. This book is a valuable addition to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the struggle for a caste-free society.
July 5, 2025
Having read this book makes me realise how little I know of the struggles of caste equality in colonial India and the atrocities of caste in post-indecent India. The book has been written in an engaging manner. I was embarrassed at my own lack of knowledge. The caste privilege that I have had of course contributed in my own negligence. The last part of the book - the role that judiciary has played in also committing caste atrocities was especially difficult to read. As a member of the judicial arm, and having read and debated on the constitution, it is always difficult to reconcile with the fact that Judiciary as an arm of the State is as violent against Dalits as any other arm.
September 27, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5.
A very well researched book on the history and politics of caste in India. Learnt a lot about important laws, events and figures in the history of caste discrimination and consciousness in India. Just as a side note, it is highly informative and contains minute details - so might not be of everyone's taste. However, the deeper sentiments in the book would be definitely something everyone should be familiar with.
A very well researched book on the history and politics of caste in India. Learnt a lot about important laws, events and figures in the history of caste discrimination and consciousness in India. Just as a side note, it is highly informative and contains minute details - so might not be of everyone's taste. However, the deeper sentiments in the book would be definitely something everyone should be familiar with.
May 5, 2025
A comprehensive read on the evolution of how pre and post colonial India dealt with our biggest disease - caste.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews