Dalit cinema- a new dimension in dalit marginalization

Dalit cinema- a new dimension in dalit marginalization | Sociology Optional Coaching | Vikash Ranjan Classes | Triumph IAS | UPSC Sociology Optional

When considering the array of 51 optional subjects for the UPSC Mains Examination, Sociology consistently stands out as a top choice. Its inherent appeal lies in its accessibility and intriguing exploration of humanity and society, catering even to students from Science and Commerce backgrounds. With a well-defined UPSC sociology syllabus comprising only 13 units, Sociology can be comprehensively covered within 5 to 6 Month Comprehensive “Foundation to Finale” Classroom Programme, Many of Our Sociology Foundation Course Students have Cleared CSE 2023- Kajal Singh, First Attempt (Age 22) Mahi Sharma, First Mains (Age 23), Anand Sharma First Mains and Many Others. Previously also Many students like IAS Pradeep Singh, IAS Ashish, IPS Bindu Madhav, IPS Aparna Gautam, IPS Shahnaz Illyas got Success in CSE in First Attempt with Sociology Optional.

IAS Medha Anand, has get 310 marks in her optional subject sociology, 156 in paper – 1 &  154 marks in Paper -2 in CSE 2023. Notably, Sociology for UPSC has garnered a reputation as one of the Highest scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Main Examination, with numerous candidates consistently achieving 300+. Its popularity is evident in the fact that a significant proportion of top 100 rankers opt for Sociology as their optional subject, showcasing its high scoring potential, particularly for those not from sociology backgrounds. Moreover, relevance of Sociology Optional Syllabus for UPSC extends beyond the examination hall, enriching understanding across various aspects of life, from social and economic to political and cultural domains. In recent times, Sociology Optional has gained traction, aligning with the evolving trend of the UPSC Mains towards conceptual analysis. Unlike other optional subjects with unpredictable question patterns, Sociology offers stability and predictability, making it an attractive choice. This adaptability, coupled with its concise syllabus and relevance to both academic and social spheres, positions Sociology as the ideal optional subject for engineers as well as optional subject for commerce graduates and optional subject for  science graduates seeking success in the Civil Services Examination. For those pursuing Sociology as an optional subject, accessing comprehensive Sociology optional notes and few good Sociology optional books, and previous years’ UPSC sociology optional question papers is pivotal for thorough preparation. Additionally, for aspirants seeking guidance, renowned  educator Vikash Ranjan Sir at TRIUMPH IAS coaching institutes in Delhi, offer valuable support and resources. Vikash Ranjan Sir is the Best Sociology Teacher and Triumph IAS is the
best sociology coaching in Delhi. If you are away from Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, you can still complete Journey of UPSC civil service preparation through online Sociology class The  scientific nature of Sociology, coupled with its direct applicability to daily social interactions, renders it a subject that can be comprehended without extensive reference materials, distinguishing it from other optional subjects requiring extensive reading and research.

Dalit cinema- a new dimension in dalit marginalization

Relevant for Civil Services Examination

GS Paper-1

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Dalit cinema- a new dimension in dalit marginalization

Dalits, historically marginalized as “untouchables,” have long been subjected to systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and economic deprivation in India. Positioned at the lowest rung of the traditional caste hierarchy, Dalits have endured these challenges for centuries.

This group makes up about 16.6% of India’s population and is predominantly found in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

  • The term “Dalit” originates from the Sanskrit word “Dal,” meaning “ground,” “suppressed,” or “crushed.” It was first popularized by Jyotiba Phule, a 19th-century social reformer, to describe those oppressed by the caste system. Throughout history, Dalits have been referred to by various names, such as Antyajas, Pariahs, and Chandalas.
  • Mahatma Gandhi introduced the term “Harijan” (children of God) to describe Dalits, aiming for a more respectful reference. However, many, including Dalit leaders, found the term patronizing and insufficient in addressing their struggles for empowerment.
  • Under British rule in 1935, the administration formally recognized these communities as “Scheduled Castes,” incorporating them into the legal framework. Today, Dalits are legally referred to as Scheduled Castes in India, and the Constitution outlines specific provisions for their upliftment through compensatory programs. The Dalit population is approximately 166.6 million.
  • The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950 stipulates that only individuals practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism are considered members of a Scheduled Caste. Converts to Christianity and Islam are excluded from this classification, while those who convert to Sikhism remain included.

Challenges Faced by Dalits in Contemporary India

  • Social Discrimination and Exclusion: Dalits continue to face segregation in both rural and urban settings, being excluded from public spaces and subject to untouchability practices. Discrimination is so deep-rooted that even during crises, like the 2004 Tsunami in Tamil Nadu, Dalits were severely excluded from relief efforts.
  • Economic Exploitation: Many Dalits are trapped in bonded labor due to debt, even though this practice was outlawed in 1976. They are often forced to work for little or no wages, with any form of resistance met with violence.
  • Around 80% of Dalits reside in rural areas, where they primarily work as landless laborers or marginal farmers, further heightening their economic vulnerability. Despite being banned, manual scavenging remains a dehumanizing occupation for many Dalits.
  • The “Income and Wealth Inequality in India” report highlights widening economic disparities. In 2022, the wealthiest 1% of Indians controlled 22.6% of the national income, compared to 11.5% in 1951. Meanwhile, the bottom 50% saw their income share shrink from 20.6% to 15%, and the middle 40% saw a drop from 42.8% to 27.3%. These figures illustrate a growing income gap, which has further disadvantaged marginalized communities, including Dalits.
  • Political Marginalisation: Although political reservations exist, Dalit issues are often overlooked by mainstream political parties. While Dalit political mobilization and the emergence of Dalit leaders have increased in recent years, the majority of Dalits have seen limited benefits.
  • Ineffective Laws: Laws such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, are weakly enforced due to a lack of political will and institutional backing.
  • Judicial Injustice: Dalit women face heightened discrimination, stemming from the intersection of caste, class, and gender biases. They are frequently subjected to sexual exploitation and violence, yet conviction rates for crimes against Dalit women remain significantly lower compared to those against other women in India. In some regions, young Dalit girls are forced into prostitution under the guise of religious or cultural practices.
  • Migration and Urban Challenges: Many Dalit families migrate to cities, often ending up in urban slums with the lowest-paying, insecure jobs. However, a growing Dalit middle class is emerging, gaining access to education and employment in sectors like public service, banking, and private industries.

Cinema:a new dimension in marginaliation

Marginalization and Neglect in Democratic Processes: The exclusion of certain social groups from democratic participation is a form of injustice. Indian cinema has long been dominated by the cultural and political interests of the social elite, leaving little room for the voices and concerns of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits. While the Dalit community has made notable progress in parliamentary democracy and urban middle-class spaces, the cultural industry has seldom reflected their life experiences, social history, or literary contributions with sensitivity.

The film industry’s lack of social diversity and the exclusion of vulnerable groups from the creative process makes it undemocratic. Ironically, even in “progressive, critical, or Left-leaning” cinema, caste issues have been treated as peripheral. In the limited representations of Dalits in parallel cinema, the portrayal has often been stereotypical, depicting them as helpless victims of Brahminical exploitation.

However, over the past 15 years, a shift has occurred with the emergence of films that portray Dalit characters as dignified protagonists. This includes notable films across Hindi (e.g., Masaan [2015], Bheed [2022], Shamshera [2022]), Marathi (e.g., Sairat [2016], Jayanti [2021]), and Tamil (e.g., Asuran [2021], Kaala [2021], Kabali [2016]). Some of these films are directed by Dalit filmmakers such as Nagaraj Manjule, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Pa Ranjith, who are contributing to a more inclusive cinematic landscape.

Case study:

The character of Sakshi Murmu (Monika Panwar) in Gaanth: Chapter 1 Jamnaa Paar highlights the growing trend of giving significant screen presence to Dalit female leads. Though the plot centers around the Burari mass suicide case, the film delves into the grim realities of urban development, exposing how communities remain entrenched in religious orthodoxy, rigid caste customs, and irrational rituals. Modern institutions like hospitals and police stations are depicted as corrupt and indifferent, detached from justice and fairness. Amidst this bleak portrayal of city life, the narrative follows the journey of Murmu, a young medical trainee who unintentionally becomes involved in a criminal investigation. Over time, she demonstrates her problem-solving abilities, emerging as a key protagonist alongside the main plot.

In earlier films like Gilli Puchchi, Dalit characters are shown as being impacted by Brahmanical patriarchy but also possessing the resilience and bravery to rise as heroes. This marks a significant departure from their portrayal in parallel cinema, where Dalit women were often depicted as impoverished and endlessly oppressed, such as in Gautam Ghosh’s Paar (1984). In other films like Nishant (1975) and Damul (1985), they were depicted as victims of sexual violence at the hands of dominant caste elites, with little to no agency to resist. The current cinematic landscape reflects a shift, as social control and prejudice against Dalit bodies are gradually diminishing, allowing Dalit characters, especially women, to be portrayed as empowered individuals.

It is essential for Dalits to enter the film industry not only as actors but also as producers, technicians, and directors to prominently share their stories and showcase their talents. However, these opportunities face numerous challenges. It is time for the emerging Dalit genre to be recognized as part of the reformist cinema movement, driven by the belief that cinema plays a crucial role in portraying social diversity and advancing the values of social justice. This genre would offer an independent platform for artists, creators, and film enthusiasts, fostering an alternative cultural space that highlights the dignity and diversity of historically marginalized groups and integrates them into the cultural landscape.


The End of the Blog: Dalit cinema: a new dimension in dalit marginalization

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Frequently Asked Questions by
UPSC Sociology Optional Students

How to prepare for the Sociology Optional without coaching?

Understand the syllabus thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the entire syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II. Download the official UPSC syllabus and use it as your roadmap. You can attend Sociology Orientation Lectures by Vikash Ranjan sir  on YouTube

Build a strong foundation: Start with introductory textbooks and NCERT books to grasp core sociological concepts. You can start with Introduction to Sociology books

Choose reliable study materials: Select high-quality textbooks, reference books, and online resources recommended by experts. You can opt for Vikash Ranjan Sir Notes too.

Develop a study schedule: Create a realistic and consistent study schedule that allocates dedicated time for each topic. Stick to it and track your progress.

Take notes effectively: Don’t just passively read. Summarize key points, create mind maps, or use other note-taking techniques to aid understanding and revision.

Practice answer writing: Regularly write answers to past year question papers and model questions. Focus on clarity, structure, and critical thinking. Evaluate your answers for improvement.

Seek guidance: You can take free Mentorship on Sociology Optional preparation by Vikash Ranjan sir. Connect with Vikash Ranjan sir (7303615329) to share strategies, ask questions, and stay motivated.  

Can I prepare for Sociology Optional without coaching?

Absolutely! Many aspirants successfully clear the exam through self-study. However coaching can provide structure and guidance, for time bound preparation.

What are the benefits of preparing without coaching?

Cost-effective: Coaching can be expensive, and self-study allows you to manage your resources efficiently.

Flexibility: You can tailor your study plan to your individual needs and pace.

Independence: You develop critical thinking and research skills, valuable assets for your career.

What are the challenges of preparing without coaching?

Discipline and motivation: You need self-discipline to stay on track and motivated without external guidance. Coaching and Teacher keeps you motivated.

Access to resources: You may need to do extra research to find quality study materials and answer-writing practice opportunities. Teacher help you on this respect.

Doubt clearing: You might lack immediate access to someone to address your doubts and questions. Teacher like Vikash Ranjan sir is accessible to his students 24×7   Mo- 7303615329

What additional resources can help me?

Vikash Ranjan Sir’s YouTube channel and website: Offers free Sociology lectures, study materials, and guidance.

Triumph IAS website: Provides past year question papers, model answers, and other helpful resources.

Public libraries and online databases: Utilize these resources for access to relevant books, journals, and academic articles. 


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