The main baton bearers of Brahminism?Transforming (or transformations in) Caste Consciousness Among Middle Castes

Abstract

The middle castes in India have historically been accused of colluding with Hindutva forces and passively submitting to Brahminical religious dominance, despite receiving limited benefits and remaining in subordinate positions. Contrary to this perception, this study argues that middle castes have consistently challenged Brahminical dominance by tailoring their responses to suit their own needs and interests. Through ethnographic and historical analysis of Pattankodoli village in Maharashtra, the paper examines the evolving caste consciousness of middle castes and their resistance to upper-caste hegemony through alternative religious institutions. Framed within Nancy Fraser’s concept of ‘Neoliberal Progressivism’ and drawing on Gramsci, Weber, E.P. Thompson, and Umesh Bagade, it explores the interactions, contradictions, and conflicts between the religious cultures of middle, lower, and upper castes. The study highlights how identity politics and the political economy shape these dynamics, revealing the complexities of middle-caste struggles for recognition and redistribution in a Hindu nationalist context.