Caste, Knowledge, and Power: Ways of Knowing in Twentieth Century Malabar

Caste, Knowledge, and Power explores how caste practices transformed in twentieth-century India, focusing on the role of knowledge in perpetuating oppression. It argues that colonial-Brahminical modernity invalidated other forms of knowledge and shifted dominance from acharam to knowledge possession.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Caste, Knowledge, and Power delves into the profound transformations that occurred in caste practices in India during the twentieth century, shedding light on the crucial role of knowledge in these transformations and its perpetuation of oppressive practices. The author situates the dominance and subordination within the realm of knowledge production in India not just in the emergence of colonial modernity but also in the formation of colonial-Brahminical modernity. This book goes beyond the mere discussion of the marginalization of oppressed castes in modern institutions of knowledge production, focusing instead on the ways in which the modern colonial-Brahminical concept of knowledge invalidated various other forms of knowing practices. It explores how historically, caste domination shifted from asserting superiority based on ritual hierarchy to asserting superiority based on possession of knowledge.

The author delves into the intricate web of social, economic, and political factors that shaped these transformations, highlighting the interplay between colonialism, Brahmanical ideology, and local customs. They examine how the colonial government, influenced by Brahmanical values, sought to control and manipulate knowledge to reinforce caste hierarchy and maintain social order. The book also explores the resistance and resilience of marginalized communities, who challenged the dominant narrative and sought to reclaim their knowledge and power.

Through a comprehensive analysis of historical documents, sociological research, and personal narratives, Caste, Knowledge, and Power offers a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped caste practices in India. It challenges the notion of knowledge as a neutral and objective tool and exposes the ways in which it has been used to perpetuate inequality and oppression. The book provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality in India, highlighting the importance of challenging dominant narratives and promoting alternative forms of knowledge production.

In conclusion, Caste, Knowledge, and Power is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the intricate relationship between caste, knowledge, and power in India. It provides a critical analysis of the historical and contemporary dynamics that have shaped caste practices and offers valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Indian society and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009273121