Question
Write about the development of Dalit politics in twentieth-century India.
Answer
The development of Dalit politics in twentieth-century India was marked by the struggle of Dalit leaders and communities to assert their rights and gain social, political, and economic equality. Here are some key milestones in the development of Dalit politics in India:
- The Poona Pact (1932): The Poona Pact was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the leader of the Dalit community, to end the fast-unto-death by Gandhi over the issue of separate electorates for Dalits. The Pact provided for reserved seats for Dalits in provincial and central legislative assemblies, but the seats were to be filled by Dalit candidates nominated by general electorate.
- The Scheduled Castes Federation (1942): The Scheduled Castes Federation was formed by Dr. Ambedkar to bring together the Dalit communities and fight for their rights. It was later merged with the Republican Party of India (RPI).
- The Republican Party of India (1957): The Republican Party of India (RPI) was formed by Dr. Ambedkar’s followers after his death. It aimed to represent the Dalit community and fight for their rights.
- The Dalit Panthers (1972): The Dalit Panthers was a militant organization formed in Maharashtra to fight against discrimination and oppression of Dalits. It aimed to bring about social change through direct action and protest.
- The Bahujan Samaj Party (1984): The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was founded by Kanshi Ram, a Dalit leader, to represent the Bahujan Samaj, a term coined to refer to the Dalit, OBC, and other marginalized communities. The BSP aimed to provide political representation to these communities and fight for their rights.
- The rise of Mayawati (1995): Mayawati, a Dalit woman leader, rose to prominence as a leader of the BSP in Uttar Pradesh. She became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh several times and implemented policies to benefit the Dalit community.
