Emancipation of Dalits and Freedom Struggle

Contents: Preface. 1. India on the eve of independence. 2. Chokhamela and Eknath protests on untouchability. 3. Mahar and Non-Brahman movements in Maharashtra. 4. Untouchability, then and now. 5. The untouchables to Dalit transition. 6. The life and mission of Ambedkar. 7. The Mahars of Maharashtra: religious and political party. 8. The Mahar Battle for religious and political rights. 9. Untouchability: the Ambedkar-Gandhi vision. 10. Conversion and the untouchables. 11. The spread of Buddhism in India. 12. Legitimizing the Mahar Movement. 13. Organization of Buddhists in India: activities and observances. 14. Identity and organization of Buddhists in Judic. 15. The Buddhist literature of modern Maharashtra. 16. Conclusion.

"This book analyses the political and social transition when the British left and after independence in view of Dalits, who got initial emancipation under the British from the clutches of Varna system and Brahmanical tyranny. After independence, Dalits, rose further economically and socially and given and opportunity to join the national mainstream. In Maharashtra, Dalit were inspired by Mahatma Phule and BR Ambedkar. The book takes stock of various social, religious Political Movements of Dalits, particularly in Maharashtra. The book attempts at highlighting the19th century background of Mahar Movement and throws light on untouchability, Scheduled castes and nation-building.

The book also discusses Mahar\'s of Maharashtra, politics of conversion to Buddhism and the Congress Politics. The book is a necessary read for the sociologist, anthropologists and students for an in-depth understanding of Dalit issue." (jacket)