Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country ; Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
1) Dalit movement has today merely remained an effort at mass political mobilisation. Critically examine the statement tracing the evolution of Dalit movement.(250 Words)
Why this question?
With the recent Supreme Court’s order on the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, and the ensuing Dalit protests, it becomes important to delve deep into the history of Dalit movements and contrast it with the the nature of Dalit movement as it is currently. The current Dalit protests should be prepared from a GS 1 perspective.
Key demand of the question
The key focus of the question is on examining the opinion expressed in the statement that Dalit movements have merely remained tools of mass mobilization and manifestation of vote bank politics. This view is to examined by contrasting it with Dalit movements of the past.
Directive word:
Critically examine – The focus should be on providing arguments for and against the hypothesis that Dalit movements today are merely political mobilization tools. We can argue that the movement today is in sync with the objectives of the Dalit movements as envisaged by Ambedkar and as had happened in the 70s. On the contrary, the Dalit movement today can be seen as mass appeal of the social empowerment ideals and the efforts of the marginalized section to seize power in the game of political one man upmanship.
Structure of the answer
In the introduction, write on the Dalit movements in India and the nature of Dalit movement currently.
First give arguments for your thesis (whatever your view on the statement is). Thereafter, briefly give arguments on your antithesis.
In your conclusion give a balanced opinion on the status of Dalit movement in India currently.
