Caste in question; identity or hierarchy? (Contributions to Indian sociology; oc

by Ed. by Dipankar Gupta.

"This volume provides an alternative perspective on caste. It demonstrates that the traditional view of caste - as a single hierarchy, with Brahmans at the top and the untouchable castes at the bottom - is no longer valid. From politics to gender to economic interaction, the contributors reveal how the erstwhile single, pure hierarchical order is constantly being questioned and weakened." "The essays in this volume, which are primarily field-based, argue for a different conceptualisation of caste - one that would take into account the need for caste assertion and dignity as well as notions of hierarchy. The contributors show that while pride in one's caste identity is an important feature of the caste order, this is not incompatible with contesting notions of hierarchy. Caste is now better seen in terms, first, of discrete identities, and then in terms of the multiple and contesting hierarchies." Using contemporary experiences, this volume reflects on received wisdom concerning theories of caste and provides an entirely fresh perspective. It will be widely welcomed by scholars and students of Indian sociology.

Genres: Nonfiction, India

Hardcover

First published November 8, 2004

Reviews

[Rick Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took this book to do something productive in my free-time. I have a summary of this, if you want, do ask me. I grew up in Tamil Nadu, India and social-questions fascinate me at times during my free time. Someday, I might contribute to Computational Social Sciences.

Consider reading other scholars worked who work in this area:
- Robert Caldwell (Scholar, Linguist, Missionary, author of comparative grammar of Dravidian Languages)
- Robert Hardgrave, UT Austin Professor (Anthropoligist, author of Nadars of Tamil Nad)
- David West Rudner (Anthropologist, author of Chettiar i.e Nattukottai Chettiar)
- Louis Dumont (French Academic, author of Homos Hierachichus, i.e idea of caste system is against egalitarianism)
- Dennis Templeton (Anthropologist, author of northern nadars of tamil nad)
- Edgar Thurston (1900’s, civil servant, author of two volumes, castes and tribes in south India, chief librarian of Connemera Public Library, Chennai, India)


Overall, the book contributes discussion of caste as hierarchy or identity. It seems that there are many variables within this social identity and marker, which could be pursued further.

Ritual dominance is not necessarily dominate attribute of Caste (Sanskritization i.e emulating Brahmin priest rituals). Many lower castes have asserted their self-hold through mobilizing politically; once supine and docile, now militant and aggressive.

All the field examples could be applied to other societies in India i.e Tamil Nadu, which I am primarily concerned about.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Caste, Indian History, Politics. The Book is written in anthropological jargon, which is not technically hard to understand

--Deus Vult
Gottfried