Generic Electives

Generic Elective : Investigating Inequalities/ Inequality and Difference

This course proposes to examine the meaning, definition and types of inequality. It conveys that difference need not necessarily lead to inequalities. However, differences are often historical and may result in inequalities. It shows that inequalities generate sub-ordination and exploitation. It examines inequalities in the larger context of socio-politico-economic-legal structures. It makes a conscious attempt to convey historical processes though which differences and inequalities emerge and change. Thereby, paper critically engages with the political- social mobilization on the basis of ‘identity politics' which are linked to issues of inequalities, in an era of electoral politics. 

Generic Elective V: Hindi Readings

Generic Elective V: English Readings

Unit 1: Inequalities: Caste: Varna, jati/race and untouchables  

Reference:

1. Suvira Jaiswal_Caste,Origins, functions and dimensions of change

Unit 2- Gender and Domestic 

References:

1. Uma Chakravarti_Conceptualising Brahmanical Patriarchy in Early India: Gender, Caste, Class and State

2. Charu Gupta _Mapping the Domestic Domain, in Sexuality, Obscenity, Community: Women, Muslims and the Hindu Public in Colonial India

Unit 3- Slavery and Servitude 

References

1. Monika Saxena _Ganikas in Early India: Its genesis and dimensions

2. Sunil Kumar_Service, Status and Military Slavery in the Delhi Sultanate of the thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries

Unit 4- Tribes and Forest dwellers 

References:

1. Chetan Singh_Conformity and Conflict_Tribes and the 'agrarian system' of Mughal India

2. Thomas Metcalfe_ Ideology of the Raj

Unit 5- Equality and the Indian Constitution 

References:

1. Valerian Rodrigues_The Essential Writings of B.R. Ambedkar

2.  Granville Austin_Working a Democratic Constitution_The Indian Experience