Caste, Conflict and Ideology: Mahatma Jotirao Phule and Low Caste Protest in Nineteenth-Century Western India (Cambridge South Asian Studies) [Hardcover]

Rosalind O'Hanlon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 31, 1985 | Series: Cambridge South Asian Studies (Book 30)

The nineteenth century saw the beginning of a violent and controversial movement of protest amongst western India's low and untouchable castes, aimed at the effects of their lowly position within the Hindu caste hierarchy. The leaders of this movement were convinced that religious hierarchies had combined with the effects of British colonial rule to produce inequality and injustice in many fields, from religion to politics and education. This study concentrates on the first leader of this movement, Mahatma Jotirao Phule. It shows him as its first ideologist, working out a unique brand of radical humanism. It analyses his contribution to one of the most important and neglected social developments in western India in this period - the formation of a new regional identity. This process of identity formation is studied against the background of the earlier history of caste relations in this area of India, and contributes important evidence about the relationship between ritual status and political power.The movement itself provides a fascinating example of early Third World radicalism, illustrating the role of ideology and religion in the struggle against British colonial power.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The nineteenth century saw the beginning of a violent and controversial movement of protest amongst western India's low and untouchable castes, aimed at the effects of their lowly position within the Hindu caste hierarchy. This study concentrates on the first leader of this movement, Mahatma Jotirao Phule.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 339 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (May 31, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521266157
• ISBN-13: 978-0521266154
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,489,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3.0 out of 5 stars Curious, December 1, 2011

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Dan Davis (Fishers, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caste, Conflict and Ideology: Mahatma Jotirao Phule and Low Caste Protest in Nineteenth-Century Western India (Cambridge South Asian Studies) (Paperback)

Let me begin by saying I have not read this particular volume, but I have read Phule's "Slavery," and have spent considerable time, both in the USA and in India, with the modern resurrector of Phule's Truthseekers movement, Sunil Sardar. Something in the publisher's blurb caught my attention: that Phule struggled against British rule. Perhaps I misread "Slavery," but in that book Phule seems to see the British as a possible catalyst for the elimination of the caste system. Certainly the "other Mahatma," Ghandi, opposed British rule, but he also opposed Phule's efforts--or the efforts of Phule's successors--to eliminate the caste system. Perhaps this is not a forum for discussion, but I thought I'd add my two cents (rupees?).