Dynamics of Dalits Development

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Emergence of varna and caste system in India: a brief critical review. 3. A general picture of the Dalits in India. 4. Functional relationship of some higher caste groups with Dalits (Mala and Madiga)--a case study. 5. Case studies. 6. Caste dynamics influencing development. 7. Approaches to Dalits development. 8. Programme planning to meet people\'s needs. 9. Each village as a unit of development. 10. Local institutions as primary agents of social change. 11. Local leaders, their role and participation in alleviating poverty. 12. Role of youth in alleviating poverty. 13. Sanitation: a critical factor for development. 14. Measures to alleviate poverty among the Dalits. 15. Conclusion. Index.

"The Dalits in India around 800 go by different ethnic names. They constitute roughly 1/7 of India\'s population and they are the majority group in poverty and below poverty line. The question of Dalits development is a massive one. It is not an individual or a family. The issues and problems are not single, but varied in type by depicting their struggle at the bottom level in the caste hierarchy for centuries. Caste system and division of functions for centuries have contributed to the stagnation and confined the Dalits to menial labour. They were made to be content with meager wages paid to them. They have been suffering what we may call "Social suffocation\' for centuries. The present book looks into the more depressing living conditions of the Dalits in India. It also briefly looks into the emergence of varna and caste system in India and how it has over a period of centuries categorized people with specified occupations, social privileges and limitations in the social Hindu hierarchy. Further, the book focuses on approaches to the Dalits development and the way in which local youth and institutional leaders could help development of the Dalits. Finally in a summary form the book lists out measures to alleviate poverty among the Dalits in India." (jacket)