Mahar, Buddhist and Dalit: Religious Conversion and Socio-Political Emancipation

Bhimrao Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956, seeing it as the only religion that could solve social inequality and caste. Today, most Mahars consider themselves Buddhists, with the conversion being an attempt to achieve social ascension and emancipation and a project of reform addressing Indian society. Buddhism is viewed as an open camp of discursive practices rather than a fixed system of religious beliefs or dogmas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 309 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2024
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

Bhimrao Ambedkar, born into a Mahar (untouchable caste) family, embraced Buddhism in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in 1956. For him, Buddhism was the only religion that could address the issues of social inequality and caste. Thousands of untouchables in the state followed his example, rejecting their social exclusion. Today, almost the majority of the Mahars (more than 5 million) identify as Buddhists. This book aims to analyze the discourses, representations, ritual practices, and institutions of this community. Two aspects of the conversion are noteworthy: the Mahar community's quest for social ascension and emancipation, and a project of reform that addresses Indian society as a whole. The traditional hierarchical and unequal social Hindu order is challenged by a Buddhist alternative of a society based on equality, justice, and progress. By examining discursive situations and interactions between Buddhists and other social groups, the author contends that Buddhism should be viewed as an open camp of discursive practices rather than a fixed system of religious beliefs or dogmas.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 223 x 147 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788173046209