Protest, Upliftment and Identity: Rajbansis and Namasudras of Bengal 1872-1947

The period from 1872-1947 witnessed the rise of many movements in Bengal, where those who were considered lower castes were mobilized to protest against the inequality and injustice meted out to them in various fields, including religion, politics and education. The focus of their struggle was the social injustice within the Hindu caste hierarchy. Unlike in south and western India where caste movements were often associated with anti-Brahmanical movements, in Bengal it was upgradation of caste from Sudra to Kshatriya varna. The main focus of the study is the Kshatriyaization movement of Rajbansis, the Matua movement of Namasudras, and the colonial policy of ‘Protective Discrimination’ and its impact.