Politics of identity formation in punjab an ethnographic study of Balmiki community

Abstract

The present study is based on the socio-religious and political identity formation of Balmiki community in Punjab. It explains the emergence of new trends in the context of identity articulation and assertion among marginalized Dalits in the state. It also aims to contest the dominant construction and perceptions of the mainstream academic literature on Dalits particularly Balmiki s identity. The study has narrated the colonial and post-colonial context in order to understand the continuity and change in identity making process among community. Historically, Dalit activism has defined the separate socio-political and religious identity of Balmikis in twentieth century Punjab. This phenomenon has been explained in the study through collecting the vernacular writings of the activists from their jati muhallas (caste neighborhoods). Moreover, the study has also revealed the new emerging sites of community s identity construction and assertion in contemporary Punjab. Like the emergence the Dera Gian Nath as an alternative religious center for Dalits in order to construct their separate identity (i.e. independent from Hindu and Sikh communities) and cultural assertion. The notion of spatiality is another significant aspect regarding the making and assertion of community s identity in the urban Punjab. Religious processions, Dalit activism in the form of organizing seminar on the life of Dr. Ambedkar and celebrating religious occasions in the memory of their guru Valmiki have provided new and dynamic outlook to Dalit muhallas. Apart from it, the research work has also highlighted the everyday caste experience of the community members, their cultural life, rituals, customs and worship patterns. newline