Dalit Panthers: An Authoritative History

by J.V. Pawar, Rakshit Sonawane (Translator)

Here, finally in English, is the authoritative history of the Dalit Panther movement. Dhale and Dhasal have already published their versions. So what makes Pawar’s “autobiography” of the Dalit Panthers the authoritative history? Firstly, he was one of the two fathers of the movement, giving the new group its now famous name. As general secretary of the group he maintained all the correspondence and documentation. In addition, he had access to the government of Maharashtra archives, including both police as well as intelligence reports on the Panthers during its short existence. What Pawar humbly calls a “sketchy history” of the Panthers actually puts the organization and movement within the context of post-Ambedkar Dalit society in Maharashtra, particularly its issues and challenges – socio-economic, political and, above all, psychological. This is where the skills of a novelist (author of Balidaan) serve to put flesh and blood on the bones of dry historical facts. This volume in English makes this critical work available to students of modern Indian history and especially of subaltern Dalit movements. There are many valuable lessons for all Bahujan activists. No personal or academic library will be complete without it.

Genres: India, History, Nonfiction, Politics

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Jyothis James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is critical reading if someone wants to see parallels to a dominated peoples and the epistemic, pragmatic, and revolutionary tactics used to articulate self-determination. It is high time for a return to such methodologies to gain tangible reform.

[Paras Ahuja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight on the Dalit movement Post-Ambedkar in Maharashtra, the politics of that time and its influence on today. No overly complicated vocabulary used to sound more intellectual, but the storytelling is done just right.

[Iqra Tasmiae]

https://scroll.in/article/875573/how-...

[Sham Srinivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dalit Panther movement lasted for a brief period of time. But it managed to leave an indelible mark on our socio-political fabric. This is a crisp narrative by one of the founders of the Dalit Panther movement - JV Pawar.

JV Pawar begins by writing about how himself, the ferocious intellectual Raja Dhale and the world-renowned poet Namdeo Dhasal founded the Dalit Panther movement. He describes the gut-wrenching hopelessness faced by the oppressed castes of India even in an urban setting. Unlike several other political movements in India, the Dalit Panther movement didn't have any godfather. Young and educated Dalit men, who were also assisted by some enlightened individuals from the upper caste, began to assert themselves. They were fed up with the incompetence and timidity of the senior Dalit leaders who seemed greedy for political spoils.

The three men described above, along with many more energetic, educated and disillusioned young men from the Dalit caste in Maharashtra decided to take matters into their own hands. They realised that they would not only have to take the fight to the streets but also wage an intellectual war on the hegemony of the upper castes. Although the movement originated in Maharashtra, the Dalit Panthers managed to strike fear in the hearts of oppressors across the country. Ordinary Dalits started relying on these Panthers to fight for their rights. The Panthers even managed to score some victories for their beleaguered brethren. The international media also took notice and there was communication between the Panthers and certain sympathetic activists from abroad.

However, this movement hardly lasted a couple of years. Due to bloated egos, infighting, as well as machinations by opponents the group split up. Yet, even today there are calls for the Dalit Panther movement to emerge from oblivion.

Individuals who understand that our society is inherently unequal must read this. It is easy to read yet quite exhaustive. JV Pawar has taken as many names as he could of all those who were involved in the movement. There is no beating around the bush and sentences are written with the precision of a sniper. I also feel this is the case because the original was written in Marathi and this is a translated edition.

I would highly recommend this book to those who are students of history, law, politics and sociology.