Marathi Dalit Periodicals and the Representation of Caste Question

Abstract

Introduction to print during British Colonial rule paved the way for various writing cultures to emerge across India. The late 19^th and early 20^th century Maharashtra saw the emergence of Dalit/lower caste periodicals registering the visibility to the question of caste & untouchabilty in a caste ridden society. ‘Satyashodhaki Periodicals’ such as Din Mitra, Din Bandhu etc. inspired by Jyotirao Phule’s movement and Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s journals such as Mooknayak, Bahishkrit Bharat etc. are considered as early efforts where caste question pronounced its socio-political presence and challenged mainstream upper caste supremacy and monopoly at various levels. Following from the earlier initiatives, 1960-90s saw a spurt of Dalit periodicals in (Marathi) Maharashtra. Periodicals such as Asmitadarsha, Aamhi, Astititva, Dhammalipi etc presented a new visibility to the caste question projecting it as a field of critical inquiry. Dalit periodicals enterprise being inspired by international as well as local socio-cultural movements provided a formidable platform for the Dalit literature to emerge on Indian literary scene. Most of the well known Dalit writers in Marathi have been associated with the periodicals as editors or board members or have written in these periodicals. In this paper an attempt will be made to contextualise the historical activism of the Dalit periodicals in Maharashtra and focus on various aspects discussing the caste question. A close reading of periodicals such as Baburao Bagul’s ‘Aamhi’ and Raja Dhale’s ‘Dhammalipi’ will be taken up to reflect upon the same.