Social and Political Empowerment of Indian Dalits

Contents: Preface. 1. Caste system in India. 2. Dalit--concepts and concerns. 3. Dalit\'s participation in Indian politics. 4. Political importance of Dalit identity. 5. Scheduled castes federation and the future of Dalit politics. 6. Ambedkar and Dalit\'s upliftment. 7. Violence against Dalits. 8. Dalit women\'s participation in panchayats. 9. Conversion of Indian Dalit. 10. Globalisation and the prospects of Indian Dalits. Bibliography. Index.

"Social and Political Empowerment of Indian Dalits is the most comprehensive and critical study of the gradual process of power-sharing by the Dalits in India at the different institutional levels, especially since independence. It ought to be noted that the journey of Indian Dalits in the participation in the political process by having substantial presence in the formation and implementation of decision making is, undoubtedly, remarkable. Taking into account this historical reality, the author has made serious efforts to examine the issue of empowerment of Indian Dalits in a wider framework.

As a result, this study has incorporated the issues, like caste system and the social profile of Dalits within it, participation of Dalits in the Indian political system, violence against Dalits as well as conversion of Indian Dalits. More importantly, this book has focused special attention on the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the overall upliftment of Dalits.

Globalisation has emerged a dominant theme of the post-Cold War Era and its impact is obvious on every aspects of social life. Indian Dalits are bound to be affected by the very process of globalisation." (jacket)