Dalit Historiography

Title

Dalit Historiography

Creator

Mankulam, Dhanesh

Description

Dalit historiography positions itself as a direct challenge to the casteist narratives of Brahmanical historiography, which have long dominated historical accounts of India. It critiques mainstream historiographies for being casteist, for excluding Dalit voices, and for misrepresenting Dalit experiences within societal and institutional frameworks. Grounded in the experiences of oppression faced by Dalits, the Dalit historiographic approach seeks to expose the biases of Brahmanical knowledge systems and the exclusionary practices embedded within colonial and nationalist histories. Drawing from Ambedkars critique of positivist history and his call for a history that addresses caste-based inequalities, Dalit historiography emphasises the need for alternative narratives. It underscores the active role of Dalits as key participants in shaping history. Through life narratives, folklore, and oral traditions, it highlights the contributions and experiences of Dalit communities that have long been overlooked. By confronting caste discrimination and advocating for social justice, Dalit historiography aims to dismantle the hegemonic Brahmanical structures and offer a more inclusive and intersectional understanding of history. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors.

Source

Dalit Studies: Key Terms and Concepts;pp.190-196

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Coverage

Mankulam D., Department of English and Cultural Studies, School of Arts and Humanities, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISBN: 978-104087057-0; 978-104105815-1;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Book chapter

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003634010-23

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105032503382?origin=resultslist