Dalit Capital

by Aseem Prakash

Dalit Capital explores the relation between caste and Indian capitalism. It explores the ways in which caste and social discrimination reinvent themselves under the guise of modern capitalism. It demonstrates how 'inclusion' holds Dalits at a disadvantage, perpetrated by the state, markets and the civil society.

Genres: India

296 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2014

Reviews

[Conrad Barwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential and ground-breaking book on Dalit businesses and capitalists. Based on in-depth research of 90 Dalit business owners across 6 different states; this works maps out in great detail the process of ''unfavourable inclusion'' into markets faced by Dalit business owners. It also delivers a decisive blow to the idea that globalisation, capitalism or market-orientated policies and processes will eliminate caste-based discrimination or improve the economic position of Dalits. In fact the very organisation of capitalism in India is heavily mediated by caste-structures and bodies; limiting entry of Dalits into lucrative economic sectors and when they do manage to break into such markets, ensure that their inclusion is on conditions favourable to the upper castes established in these markets.