Whose Reality Counts? Valuing Dalitbahujan Knowledge in a Technocratic India

Abstract

Indian society is being reconfigured by the mobilization of people who had historically been marginalized in economic, social and cultural life. These people are referred to the constitution as Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) and combined, constitute the majority in India. In recent years, in Andhra Pradesh South India, there has been impetus to collectively refer to them as Dalitbahujans as acknowledgement of their salient productive role, recognition of their historical marginalization and their recent awakening. Some among them wish to see power turned on its head, but more prevalent has been their thirst for equality, dignity and a recognition of their many significant contributions to Indian society. This dissertation explores Dalitbahujan knowledge and experience through health and education. Central to this discussion is the question of whose reality counts?