Constructing Dalit Identity

Contents: Abbreviations. Acknowledgements. I. Introduction: 1. Constructing Dalit ethnicity: arguments and theories. 2. The setting. 3. Ethnicising Paraiyar identity: a theoretical argument. II. From symbols of pollution to symbols of culture and identity: 4. A history of conflicts between the Paraiyars and the Vanniyars. 5. Changing the meaning of and positive identification with symbols: drumming as art form. 6. Beef-eating: from symbol of pollution to symbol of social custom. 7. Land: from symbol of marginalisation to symbol of empowerment. 8. Re-symbolisation and re-identification: the epistemic status of Paraiyar identity. 9. Conclusion: the Paraiyars' new identity and its implications. Appendix. References. Index.

"This book examines the process by which the Dalits of Tamil Nadu, South India, attempt to construct their identity by transforming the symbols of pollution into symbols of their culture and positive identity. It argues that conflict is a necessary condition for identity formation. For it remains as a resource that helps them become self-conscious of their low and polluted identity and guide them to imagine a new identity. To this end, instead of negating the symbols of polluted identity used by higher castes, the Dalits use the same symbols and myths to deconstruct their low identity and re-define themselves. Drawing on the empirical data from three-year fieldwork, this book explains that conflict, symbolisation and identification are the three key phases in the construction of identity. This throws a new challenge to scholars and students of sociology, anthropology and political science interested in studying social change, identity politics, social conflict, and Asian reality." (jacket)