Role of the Arya Samaj in Jatavs mobilization and Sanskritization
Author(s): Ranjeet Kumar
Abstract: The question of identity became very crucial at the beginning of the twentieth century. Every caste was engaged in various political and social movements so that a respectful place could be gained in society. Jatavs, who live mostly in the western parts of Uttar Pradesh, claimed a higher identity at the beginning of the twentieth century. This claim was based on the Sanskritized notions that Arya Samaj promoted among Dalits. Historians and anthropologists interpret that a group of the Charmakar community refused to tolerate untouchability as they were fully identified with the leather work. It was the time when leather work was considered a polluting occupation. This small group of Charmakars started practicing Vedic rituals in their daily lives. In the contemporary period, Arya Samaj was propagating Vedic teachings among the lower section of Indian society so that they could maintain their lives with purity and the stigma of untouchability could be removed from society. Many schools were opened for Dalit education in the various parts of Uttar Pradesh by Arya Samaj. It supported the Jatavs' claim for a new Kshatriya identity. The aim behind this support was to Sanskritize Jatavs in a Vedic way so that a conversion that was taking place in a specific period could be stopped strongly.
Pages: 153-158 | Views: 591 | Downloads: 319Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Ranjeet Kumar. Role of the Arya Samaj in Jatavs mobilization and Sanskritization. Int J Hist 2024;6(1):153-158.
