Synopses & Reviews
Originally published in Marathi in 1989, this contemporary classic details the history of womenand#8217;s participation in Dr. B. R. Ambedkarand#8217;s Dalit movement for the first time. Focusing on the involvement of women in various Dalit struggles since the early twentieth century, the book goes on to consider the social conditions of Dalit womenand#8217;s lives, daily religious practices and marital rules, the practice of ritual prostitution, and womenand#8217;s issues. Drawing on diverse sources including periodicals, records of meetings, and personal correspondence, the latter half of the book is composed of interviews with Dalit women activists from the 1930s. These first-hand accounts from more than forty Dalit women make the book an invaluable resource for students of caste, gender, and politics in India. A rich store of material for historians of the Dalit movement and gender studies in India,and#160;We Also Made Historyand#160;remains a fundamental text of the modern womenand#8217;s movement.
Review
and#8220;It is indeed a proud achievement that a book written originally in Marathiand#8230;has been made available in English so soon. The book has marked the paths trodden by the pioneers of the movement. It is a treasure to Dalit and Dalit feminist studies [and] throws open seminal issues in feminist historiography.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;[A] timely and elegant translationand#8230;and#8221;
Synopsis
Filled with the rich and colorful life of an Indian slum and the political currents that swirl around it, this unique autobiography traces the life of an "Untouchable", India's lowest caste. Vasant Moon, an indomitable child grown to courageous reformer and scholar, gives us an intimate glimpse into a world Westerners never see. We see his deep reverence for nature as he makes us feel Nagpur's heat and the joy brought by the monsoon. We suffer the problems faced by Indian women as he quietly honors his mother for her dignified but grinding battle with poverty. We learn about the inescapable hierarchy imposed by caste, based on ancient principles of hereditary pollution, through his participation in the Dalits' battle for equality, rights, and legal and political power. Never bitter or vengeful, Moon offers a moving and eloquent testament to a uniquely Indian life as well as to the universal human spirit.
Synopsis
'In this English translation, Moon's story is usefully framed by apparatus necessary to bring its message to even those taking their first look at South Asian culture...The result is an easy to digest short-course on what it means to be a Dalit, in the words of one notable Dalit.'-Journal of Asian Studies
About the Author
Urmila Pawar, a writer and activist in the Dalit womenandrsquo;s movement, worked as an employee of the Public Works Department of the state of Maharashtra until her retirement.Meenakshi Moon was closely associated with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and was involved with his organizational work.Wandana Sonalkar teaches economics at Dr. Babasaheb Marathwada University, Aurangabad, and is a founding member of Aalochana Centre for Documentation and Research on Women.
Table of Contents
Translatorand#8217;s IntroductionAuthorand#8217;s Preface
Foreword by Y.D. Phadke
Part I
1. Social Background
2. Historical Background
3. Laying Down the Foundation for Education
4. From Slumber to Awareness
5. Organising Against Religious Prostitution
6. Dalit Women and the Tradition of Marriage
7. The Struggle for Equality
8. The Power of Organization
9. Consciousness of Political Rights
10. Babasaheband#8217;s Views on Women
11. Enlightenment through Literature
12. Victory of the Dhamma
13. After the Conversion
Part II
Ramabi Ambedkar, Radhabai Kamble, Jaibai Chaudhari, Tulsabai Bansode, Anjanibai Deshbhratar, Sulochanabai Dongre, Bhikshuni Laxmibai Naik, Seetabai Gaikwad, Geetabai Gaikwad, Virendrabai Teerthankar, Ratibai Puranik, Geetabai Pawar, Meenambal Shivraj, Mukta Sarvagaud, Shantabai Bhalerao, Shantabai Dani, Sakhubai Mohite, Keertibai Patil, Indirabai Patil, Ramabai Gaikwad, Kausalyabai Baisantri, Nalinitai Ladke, Vimal Rokade, Parbatabai Meshram, Muktabai Kamble, Damayanti Deshbhratar, Laxmibai Kaakde, Shantabai Sarode, Babytai Kamble, Seetabai Thakur, Shashikala Dongardive, Chandrika Ramteke, Jayabai Bhalerao, Geetabai Bhagat, Chandrabhaga Jadhav, Shuddhamati Bondhate, Sumanbai Bandisode, Vithabai Pawar, Sonutai Lanjewar, Meerabai Ambedkar, Sudha Ramteke, Sarla Maurya, Bhikshuni Nandasheela, Bhikshuni Chandrasheela
14. Conclusion
References
Newspapers
Pamphlets, Reports, etc