Dalit mobilization identity and political assertion in Punjab a comparative study of Balmikis Mazhabis and the Chamars

Abstract

The state of Punjab has the highest SC population i.e. 31.9%. The research work has mainly concentrated on the comparative study of the two major dalit groups of Punjab out of 39 Scheduled Castes i.e. Balmikis-Mazhabis and the Chamars. The Chamar caste is the most transformed dalit caste as it has become a business caste with big leather industries and complexes particularly in Doaba region of Punjab. In comparison to them, Balmikis-Mazhabis are still remaining backward despite of being the largest dalit group in the state. The main reason for their backwardness can be identified to their poor economic condition which ultimately leads to their lower literacy rate and lack of awareness. After so many years, they are still clinging to their traditional occupations of agricultural labour and scavenging having lowest status. The Chamars have been successful in making efforts for their separate cultural/religious space and identity from Hindus and Sikhs having their own religious scripture, separate slogans, religious symbol, way of greetings, their Guru Ravidas, Ravidas Deras etc. In comparison to them Balmikis-Mazhabis have not been successful in shaping their separate identity from Hindus and the Sikhs. They still profess Hindu and sikh religions and follow the their rituals and traditions. Although they have also developed their own symbol, slogans, guru, Deras etc. but their efforts are not sufficient to make a separate identity. In political field also they have been successful in having more representation and political offices at local, state and centre level as compared to Balmikis-Mazhabis. This domination of the Chamar caste can be attributed to their better economic condition and allegiance to BSP. So the Chamar caste is ahead in every field as compared to the Balmikis-Mazhabis. newline