ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the Dalit experience of adverse inclusion in the markets as owners of capital. In the Indian context, several scholars writing on the relationship between caste and market economy agree with the overall underpinnings of neo-classical and new institutional economics, that is, markets have the capacity to diminish the influence of social identities in shaping market outcomes. Markets have also acquired prominence because political democracy has not met the hopes for economic prosperity. Dalits trading as wholesalers and retailers in the food and beverage business are compelled to supply goods at lower prices. If they refuse, the upper-caste retailers invoke their caste identity and reject their produce. One way to access states resources and tackle officials is through the payment of bribes. In the Dalit entrepreneurs’ view, rent-seeking by the state officials is rampant and affects every business person, irrespective of caste location.
