Deceptive Majority: Dalits, Hinduism, and Underground Religion

The book "Deceptive Majority" challenges the assumption that India is a Hindu majority nation by examining the history and self-understanding of the untouchable communities, who are often stigmatized as Hindu. Joel Lee's research reveals that the assumption of Hindu identity among the untouchables is a twentieth-century construct and that their religious practices and beliefs have diverse origins and meanings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 354 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The notion that India is a Hindu-majority country is predicated on the belief that the vast segment of its population, often referred to as "untouchables," is, and has always been, in some significant sense, Hindu. However, it is crucial to question whether this understanding has been prevalent in the past or holds true in the present. Joel Lee's book, "Deceptive Majority," delves into challenging the assumptions underlying the study of caste and religion in South Asia. Through extensive archival and ethnographic research, Lee meticulously traces the trajectory of a Dalit religion and the efforts made by twentieth-century nationalists to incorporate it within a newly envisioned Hindu body politic. This book serves as a chronicle of religious life in north India and an insightful exploration of the ethics and semiotics of secrecy. It sheds light on the strategies employed by majoritarian projects to advance and undermine themselves.

The book challenges the prevailing presuppositions that underpin the study of caste and religion in South Asia. It questions the notion that the untouchables have always been considered Hindu and explores the historical and contemporary perspectives of these communities. Lee's research reveals that the understanding of caste and religion among the untouchables has evolved over time, influenced by various factors such as social change, religious conversions, and political movements.

The book also examines the efforts by twentieth-century nationalists to incorporate the untouchables within a newly imagined Hindu body politic. Lee argues that these nationalists sought to create a unified and homogeneous Hindu nation-state by erasing the distinctions between different castes and religions. However, their efforts were often met with resistance and opposition from the untouchables themselves, who saw their identity and traditions as distinct from those of the Hindu majority.

Through his detailed research, Lee provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the untouchables and their religious practices. He highlights the complexities and contradictions within their communities, as well as the challenges they face in navigating the social and political landscape. The book also sheds light on the ethical and semiotics of secrecy, which are crucial in understanding the dynamics of caste and religion in South Asia.

In conclusion, "Deceptive Majority" is a thought-provoking and important book that challenges the presuppositions at the foundation of the study of caste and religion in South Asia. By delving into the historical and contemporary perspectives of the untouchables, Lee provides a nuanced and empathetic understanding of their experiences and challenges. The book also sheds light on the strategies employed by majoritarian projects to advance and undermine themselves, and highlights the ethical and semiotics of secrecy that are crucial in navigating the complex social and political landscape of South Asia.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108826662