Abstract

This chapter outlines the positioning of Dalit women in the historical context and defines ways in which Dalit women envision success. It is an attempt to review the legislation and social action for the emancipation of the Dalit community. Have these efforts been successful in their objective to eradicate entrenched gender and caste based notions of (in)equality and (in)justice? Have they been effective enough to bring empowerment and success to women? The need of Dalit women for personal security, education, socio-economic development and social justice are priority areas for intervention. In order to understand the reality of Indian society in general, and of the Dalit community and Dalit women in particular, an analysis of caste–class–gender dynamics is imperative. Success as a notion for Dalit women can then be divined only upon understanding and incorporating political, cultural and social histories into contemporary narratives of women’s lives. Through the life experiences of Dalit women, we will explore some autobiographical narratives for their notions of success. The historical disadvantage faced by the Dalit community, added to the disadvantage of being women, becomes a powerful demonstration of resistance to the objective of gaining success in life.

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