Dalit Women In India: Transcending Standpoint And Advancing Feminist Discourses

Abstract

Contemporary India merges capitalist progress with residual feudal cultural elements. At its core lies the caste system, which creates pronounced disparities between men and women. Women's oppression, especially that of Dalit women, is anchored in ancient standards set by the Brahminical law code, Manusmriti. This code presents prejudiced practices as religious obligations, pushing women and non-twice-born individuals to the margins. It mandates a life of hardship for "untouchables," suggesting they are meant for servitude to the privileged. Today, this bias continues, with Dalit women facing adversities such as lack of access to communal water sources and working in stigmatised roles like prostitution or manual scavenging. Disturbingly, the mainstream feminist movements in India frequently neglect the distinct challenges Dalit women encounter. Though they endure layers of violence, their issues often remain absent from the larger feminist discourse. The study explores the varied forms of violence these women suffer, emphasizing the urgency for genuine inclusivity in feminist discussions. To achieve the desired objectives the study lies on historical method.