The Changing World of Caste and Hierarchy in Bengal: Depiction from the Mangalkavyas c. 1700-1931

This book challenges the assumptions of caste, hierarchy, and social mobility in pre-colonial and colonial Bengal by studying colonial ethnographers, Orientalist scholars, Christian missionaries, and pre-colonial literary texts. It argues that the jati order in Bengal was far from rigidly reified and had room for spatial and social mobility. It highlights the processes through which popular myths and beliefs of lower caste orders were Sanskritized, delineates the linkages between sedantized peasant culture and the emergence of new agricultural castes, and discusses issues like marginality and hierarchy, the spread of Brahmanical hegemony, the creation of deities, popular Saivism, the cult of Manasa, and the revolt of 1857.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate tapestry of caste, hierarchy, and social mobility in pre-colonial and colonial Bengal, challenging prevailing assumptions and illuminating the complex dynamics of this region. Through a comprehensive analysis of colonial ethnographers, Orientalist scholars, Christian missionaries, and pre-colonial literary texts such as the Mangalkavyas, the author reveals the origins and evolution of the concept of caste in Bengal. Contrary to popular belief, the jati order in Bengal was not a rigidly reified structure but rather a dynamic system that allowed for spatial and social mobility. The volume highlights the processes through which popular myths and beliefs of the lower caste orders were Sanskritized, contributing to the formation of new agricultural castes in colonial Bengal. Moreover, the author delves into a wide range of issues, including marginality and hierarchy, the spread of Brahmanical hegemony, the creation of deities, the process of Sanskritization, popular Saivism, the cult of Manasa in Bengal, and the pivotal revolt of 1857.

Armed with a wealth of archival sources, this book serves as a vital resource for scholars and researchers in colonial history, Indian history, political sociology, caste studies, exclusion studies, cultural studies, social history, cultural history, and South Asian studies. Particularly, those with an interest in undivided Bengal will find this book indispensable in their pursuit of understanding the intricate web of caste, hierarchy, and social dynamics that shaped this region's history.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367557553