ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses two related issues one, Dalits are involved in ‘entity assertion,’ and second, the nature and intensity of their ‘entity assertion.’ Why are they involved in such an exercise? The chapter answers the reasons for the same. Few reasons are because of their structural location, cumulative exclusion, millennia-long temporal history of exclusion and un-alterable social status. Because of these reasons, even their existence as human beings were denied by society as a whole. That is why they have asserted, since time immemorial, to get their existence registered in the people’s conscience. This protest is for establishing one’s existence – as human beings, for establishing human rights, for leading dignified life, for establishing their icons and culture, etc. This assertion has taken place with various nomenclatures like Ashprishya, depressed classes, Dalits, Bahujans, etc., which has been mistaken for identity assertion. Hence this chapter highlights the difference between ‘entity assertion’ and ‘identity politics.’ Using both the primary and secondary sources of data this chapter evolves historical and evolutionary perspective to understand different shades of Dalit assertion. Epistemology of their exclusion and change in frame of reference of analysis helps us to understand the contours of this category and their assertion better.
