The caste system in India, though legally abolished, continues to shape the socio-political and economic landscape. However, caste is not a monolithic entity; it comprises intricate layers and distinctions. Within the Dalit community, there has emerged a class of elites whose actions, attitudes, and privileges stand in stark contrast to the broader Dalit population. This phenomenon, often referred to as “Dalit elitism,” has sparked debates about the role and responsibilities of this cohort in advancing the collective interests of Dalits. This article delves into various aspects of Dalit elitism, including its origins, manifestations, and consequences for the larger Dalit movement.

Caste Distinctions Within Dalits

Caste has historically dictated the social, economic, and cultural practices of communities. However, even within caste groups, there are distinctions that reflect varying degrees of privilege and power. Among Dalits, this stratification has become more apparent with the rise of an elite class that has secured access to higher education, economic stability, and influential positions. These elites often claim to champion Dalit rights but are accused of perpetuating their own interests under the guise of representing the community.

The charge that these elites have “sanskritised” themselves—adopting upper-caste behaviors and norms—underscores their alienation from the masses. This class, while retaining their Dalit identity as a badge of authenticity, often wields it as a tool for personal advancement rather than collective emancipation.

Sanskritisation of Dalit Elites

The concept of Sanskritisation refers to the process by which lower-caste groups adopt the practices and values of higher castes in pursuit of social mobility. Among Dalit elites, this has manifested in their embrace of economic practices and cultural norms that align more closely with upper-caste traditions. Paradoxically, while they may reject certain aspects of Hinduism, they continue to operate within the hierarchical framework of caste. This raises existential questions about the meaning of their identity and its implications for Dalit solidarity.

The Dalit elites often have more in common with upper castes than with their fellow Dalits. Their polished demeanor, ivy-league education, and social capital create a chasm between them and the lower strata of the community. In doing so, they immortalize themselves in a position of reverence that is antithetical to the very idea of Dalit liberation. Their identity as Dalits becomes both a “certificate” legitimizing their activism and a “cloak” disguising their detachment from grassroots struggles.

Display of Dalitness

A significant criticism leveled against Dalit elites is their performative display of Dalit identity. They differentiate themselves from Hinduism-practicing Dalits, often treating the latter as second-class members of the community, while glorifying those who have converted to Buddhism. This selective embrace of Dalit identity is instrumental, used to assert their “purity” and avoid being mistaken for upper castes.

Furthermore, their conspicuous display of wealth, framed as “Dalit resurgence,” has drawn ire. Armed with ivy-league degrees and occupying leadership roles, they dominate the narrative while restricting access for others. This approach is criticized for being exclusionary and for perpetuating a hierarchy within the Dalit community itself. While their educational achievements are not inherently problematic, the use of these credentials to isolate others mirrors the exclusionary practices of upper castes.

Hijacking the Dalit Agenda

The monopolization of the Dalit agenda by elites has exacerbated intra-community divisions. By cornering resources and spaces, they have consolidated their positions while sidelining grassroots voices. This elite class often collaborates with liberal upper-caste allies to secure power, portraying themselves as symbols of progress. Such alliances, however, alienate the deprived sections of the Dalit community, who feel their voices are suppressed and their struggles co-opted.

These elites often organize superficial events and projects to justify their leadership, basking in the glory of atrocities they have not personally endured. Their rise has led to increased demands for a “creamy layer” within Scheduled Caste reservations, as their dominance has effectively deprived lower-income Dalits of opportunities meant to uplift the most marginalized.

Cornering Spaces

Through their proximity to upper-caste liberals, elite Dalits have secured coveted positions in academia, politics, and other spheres. These alliances serve dual purposes: the Dalit elites gain access to power and resources, while their liberal allies redeem themselves by showcasing their association with Dalits. However, this dynamic has further isolated the subaltern Dalits, who view these interactions as a betrayal of the community’s collective cause.

Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of “educate, agitate, and organize” has been co-opted by Dalit elites for personal gain. Instead of uplifting the entire community, they have educated themselves, agitated for their own interests, and organized exclusive cliques that replicate the power dynamics they claim to oppose.

Among Themselves

The insularity of Dalit elites extends to their personal lives as well. Much like upper castes who resist inter-caste marriages, elite Dalits often prefer to marry within their own class or with liberal upper-caste partners. This perpetuates exclusivity and mirrors the very practices of caste discrimination that Dalits have historically fought against.

This behavior highlights a fundamental hypocrisy: while advocating for equality and dismantling caste hierarchies, elite Dalits often replicate those hierarchies within their own community. This duality undermines the credibility of their activism and raises questions about their commitment to Ambedkarite principles.

Economic Paradigm Shifts and Power Dynamics

The rise of Dalit elites underscores the broader relationship between economic power and social stratification. Paradigm shifts in economic structures require a redistribution of power, but those who hold power are often unwilling to relinquish it. Money, political authority, and formal education have become the new markers of caste-like hierarchies, with elite Dalits occupying the upper echelons.

This concentration of power among a select few perpetuates inequalities within the Dalit community. Intra-community variations in income and educational outcomes have created fault lines that undermine the solidarity necessary for collective progress. The Dalit elites, in their quest for upward mobility, often distance themselves from the systemic issues affecting the majority of Dalits.

Consequences for the Dalit Movement

The rise of Dalit elitism has had far-reaching implications for the larger Dalit movement. By hijacking the agenda, elite Dalits have diverted attention from grassroots struggles and concentrated resources within their own networks. This has led to a growing disillusionment among marginalized Dalits, who feel excluded and abandoned by their supposed representatives.

Moreover, the tendency of elite Dalits to dismiss criticism as jealousy or betrayal has stifled meaningful dialogue within the community. Voices that challenge the status quo are often labeled as “sell-outs,” further entrenching divisions. This environment of suppression and exclusion undermines the potential for collective action and solidarity.

The Need for Structural Change

Addressing the challenges posed by Dalit elitism requires a structural shift in the movement’s approach. Ambedkar’s vision of inclusive and transformative progress must be reclaimed, with a renewed focus on uplifting the most marginalized. This entails creating mechanisms to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities within the Dalit community.

The demand for a “creamy layer” within Scheduled Caste reservations reflects the need for nuanced policies that address intra-community disparities. Such measures, however, must be accompanied by efforts to foster solidarity and dismantle the hierarchies that perpetuate inequality.

Therefore, the phenomenon of Dalit elitism highlights the complexities of caste and class intersections. While the rise of Dalit elites represents a significant achievement in terms of breaking barriers, it also underscores the need for introspection and accountability. The privileges and power accumulated by this cohort must be leveraged for the collective good, rather than personal gain.

Ultimately, the Dalit movement’s success depends on its ability to bridge internal divisions and prioritize the needs of the most marginalized. By reclaiming the principles of equity and justice, the movement can resist the forces of elitism and forge a path toward genuine liberation.

References

1. Annihilation of Caste (1936), B. R. Ambedkar.