Question

What issues were raised by Dalit Panthers?

Hint:

Remember that the Dalit Panthers were distinct from earlier movements due to their militant ideology, inspired by the Black Panthers, and their significant contribution to Dalit literature as a form of protest.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the main concerns and demands of the Dalit Panthers, a militant social organization that emerged in Maharashtra in 1972.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Dalit Panthers was a radical movement that emerged out of the frustration of Dalit youth with the persistent caste discrimination and violence, despite constitutional guarantees. The key issues they raised were:


Caste Atrocities: Their primary and most immediate focus was to protest and fight back against the increasing incidents of violence and atrocities against Dalits in rural and urban areas. They adopted an assertive and retaliatory stance.

Social and Economic Inequality: They highlighted the continued social segregation and economic exploitation faced by Dalits. They argued that mere legal provisions were not enough and demanded a radical restructuring of the social and economic order.

Implementation of Reservations: They pointed out the failure of the government to properly implement the policy of reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in education and government jobs.

Political Power: They believed that real change would only come when Dalits acquired political power. They were critical of mainstream political parties, including the Republican Party of India, for failing to empower the Dalit masses.

Cultural Resistance: They used literature—poetry, short stories, and autobiographies—as a powerful tool of protest. This created a new wave of Dalit literature that expressed the anger and anguish of the community and challenged the dominant upper-caste cultural narratives.

In their manifesto, they broadened their definition of 'Dalit' to include all oppressed sections of society, including Scheduled Tribes, landless labourers, and poor women.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Dalit Panthers raised a range of issues, from protesting caste violence and demanding the implementation of reservations to fighting for broad social, economic, and political equality for all oppressed sections of society.