Nationalism in India, Semester 2nd, GE paper for all Hons courses, by Nalini Goyal (23.3.20 -- 27.3.2020)

The Caste Question: Anti - Brahminical Politics

-Hindu society is traditionally divided into four classes-- Brahmins , Kshatriyas, Vaishya,and Shudras. -There was to be close linkage between varna and profession; it was not based on one's birth, but on one's innate tendencies and qualities. - So, it was not hierarchical also. - Gradually, in due course of time, this varna ( ) system degenerated into Caste System, which was birth based, hierarchical in nature and exploitative in character. - Four fold division of society degenerated into hundreds of divisions within each caste. - British contact didn't change the social structure. But British-Indian administrative set up offered jobs and power positions in the field of law, police, army and civil services. -The Upper castes, specifically Brahmins, who had accepted the the new English education system, benefited cause they had access to information and opportunities. - Subsequently, the non-Brahmin section became conscious of their limitations to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the colonial state. - Efforts for affirmative action started in the field of education and employment. - Princely states- Mysore and Kolhapur started reservation in services for 'non-Brahmin' castes. - In Maharashtra: Jyotiba Phule started 'Satya Shodhak Samaj' (society of truth seekers) in 1873. -Phule tried to unite all non-Brahminical sections, including Dalits to oppose Brahminic domination in all walks of life. - He opposed caste system - But he started concentrating on the mobilization of his own 'Kunbi' caste to get 'Kshatriya' identity. This move alienated Dalits from his non-Brahminical movement. - Many sections/groups created --- 1. Bahujan samaj 2. Shethji-Bhatji 3. Rich sections among the non-Brahmins... they formed non- Brahmin Association and pledged loyalty to British in 1919. - When Gandhi's leadership came, non-Brahmin association moved closer to Congress. New leaders were N V Gadgil and Keshavrav Jedhe, who merged with Congress and broadened the base of the national Movement.

In Madras Region: The problem was of Tamil language & Dravidian identity. -Anti-Brahmin, anti-Aryan & anti-North became the main slogan for non-Brahmin masses. - In 1916, M C. Rajah set up Justice Party, and demanded separate communal representation in Madras Legislative Council. - E. V. Ramaswamy Naiker started "Self - Respect Movement " which was a cultural movement and it took pride in Tamil language and Dravid culture. 'Self respect was a precursor to self rule' was their slogan. Talked of separate state, Dravidnadu, a non-Brahmin state.