Studies in Social Protest

Book Details

• Author: Shyamlal

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 372

• Release Date: 01-10-2010

• ISBN: 8131603318

• Language: English

• Package Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches

About the Book
This book provides an in-depth sociological study of the protest movements of the Meghwals, a prominent Dalit caste in Rajasthan, formerly referred to as Chamars. Across Rajasthan, marginalized and low-caste communities have organized themselves to fight against social inequality, discrimination, and deprivation, often demanding access to economic opportunities, educational privileges, and political representation.

Focusing on the Meghwals and their social protests in the erstwhile princely states of Rajputana, particularly Marwar in the early 20th century, the book examines the rise of Dalit assertion and grassroots mobilization. It analyzes the genesis, evolution, and dynamics of the Meghwal movements, highlighting their socio-cultural and political consequences.

Key highlights include:

• The historical background of Meghwal mobilization in Rajasthan.

• The role of ideology, leadership, and collective action in Dalit social movements.

• The impact of these movements on the social structure and political landscape of Rajasthan.

This pioneering work is particularly valuable for sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, and scholars engaged in Dalit and social movement studies.

About the Author / Editor
Shyamlal is the Vice-Chancellor of Patna University, Patna, and has previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, and acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. He has also chaired the Drafting Committee of the Ambedkar Foundation, Government of Rajasthan. A distinguished sociologist and academic leader, he has directed numerous research projects and is a recipient of the ICSSR’s prestigious Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Fellowship (2003-05).