Dalit Rights / Human Rights

Book Details

• Author: Debi Chatterjee

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2011

• ISBN: 9788131604274

• Pages: 237

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches

About the Book

This powerful and thought-provoking book by Debi Chatterjee delves into the persistent social exclusion and civil rights violations faced by Dalits in India. Marginalized socially, culturally, and politically, Dalits remain one of the most vulnerable communities in the country despite constitutional guarantees and legal protections.

The book undertakes a detailed study of the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of Dalit marginalization, analyzing the impact of evolving social, economic, and political landscapes. It pays particular attention to the compounded vulnerability of Dalit women, children, and those displaced from their homes and lands—examining how intersecting layers of identity further intensify their marginalization.

Chatterjee also critically investigates the sensitive issue of religious conversion among Dalits, exploring the factors that drive them to seek spiritual and social liberation through conversion, as well as their socio-political status post-conversion. This nuanced analysis is placed within the broader framework of globalization and the global human rights discourse that has gained momentum since the 1990s.

By tracing both the violations of Dalit rights and their struggles for justice and dignity, this book provides a comprehensive account of the civil rights scenario of Dalits in India today. It is an indispensable resource for scholars, human rights activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the ongoing fight for equality and justice in Indian society.

About the Author / Editor

Debi Chatterjee is a Professor of International Relations at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and has also been associated with teaching Sociology and organizing human rights courses at Calcutta University. She is a noted scholar and activist, with a long-standing focus on human rights, Dalit issues, and caste oppression. Chatterjee has authored and edited numerous books, monographs, and research articles and serves as the editor of Voice of Dalit, a dedicated journal that amplifies Dalit perspectives and concerns.