A Study Of Dalit Identity & Consciousness In West Bengal, India

Abstract

The evolution of identity and social consciousness within West Bengal’s Dalit community has been a complex and dynamic process, shaped by historical factors, cultural shifts, and political developments. Dalit identity in India has long been marked by marginalization, discrimination, and struggles for recognition. The paper would try to look into the state West Bengal, where the Dalit population faced unique challenges, particularly as refugees from East Pakistan and later as a marginalized group within the state. It was not until the 1990s that a significant rise in Dalit consciousness was observed, spurred by socio-political changes and growing awareness of caste-based inequalities. This emergence of Dalit consciousness in West Bengal intersected with the states intricate political landscape, influencing the role of Dalits in shaping and challenging prevailing power structures. Therefore, examining the development of Dalit consciousness in West Bengal provides valuable insights into the nuanced interplay between identity, politics, and social justice within the region.