Dalit Studies

Title

Dalit Studies

Creator

Nivea, Thomas K.

Description

Dalit Studies emerged as a pivotal academic discipline in South Asia in the 1990s with a unique set of research agendas that offer new frameworks for understanding caste, gender and marginalised identities. The field stands out for integrating theoretical frameworks into the lived experiences of caste-oppressed communities. It was shaped by the confluence of material, ideological and intellectual shifts, including the critique of caste-Hindu dominance in academia. By prioritising the experiences of Dalits, it bridges the gap between theory and practice and engages with critical debates on representation, particularly insider vs. outsider perspectives in articulating Dalit experiences. It equips the learners not only with intellectual tools but also with the skills to attain self-reliance and dignity in their socio-political lives. As a critical tool, it calls for a rethinking of knowledge production, methodology and representation. Its growing global relevance is evident in universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, where programs and courses explore the intersections of caste, race, and gender within broader contexts of subjugation and resistance. This chapter traces the evolution of Dalit Studies, examining its theoretical foundations, key concepts and debates, and its growing visibility in academic institutions worldwide 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors.

Source

Dalit Studies: Key Terms and Concepts;pp.264-269

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Coverage

Nivea T.K., Department of English and Cultural Studies, 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/10.4324/9781003634010-30

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105032499524?origin=resultslist