7.2.1. Demands for equality and justice

Gradually, by the second half of the nineteenth century, people from within the Non-Brahman castes began organising movements against caste discrimination, and demanded social equality and justice.

In the latter part of the nineteenth century, a significant change occurred as people from lower castes, particularly the Non-Brahmans, began to unite and fight against the injustice and discrimination they faced in society. These movements aimed to promote social equality and challenge the established caste system, which had long marginalized them.

Think of this as a group of students in school who are often left out because of their backgrounds. Eventually, they decide to band together, share their stories, and create a club that champions fairness and inclusivity, seeking to change the school's policies to ensure everyone can participate equally.

The Satnami movement in Central India was founded by Ghasidas who worked among the leatherworkers and organised a movement to improve their social status. In eastern Bengal, Haridas Thakur’s Matua sect worked among Chandala cultivators.

Key figures like Ghasidas and Haridas Thakur played crucial roles in organizing their communities—specifically leatherworkers and Chandala cultivators—to demand better treatment and rights. They challenged the existing social structure that relegated them to the lowest castes, advocating for status upliftment and social justice.

Imagine a community of grocery workers who form a union to advocate for better wages and working conditions. This union works together to provide support, voice their concerns, and negotiate with their employers to improve their livelihoods.

In what is present-day Kerala, a guru from Ezhava caste, Shri Narayana Guru, proclaimed the ideals of unity for his people. He argued against treating people unequally on the basis of caste differences.

Shri Narayana Guru emerged as an influential figure promoting equality among different castes. His teachings focused on unifying individuals regardless of their caste origins, emphasizing that all humans deserved equal respect and dignity—a radical idea in a deeply stratified society.

Think of a community leader who organizes an event to bring people from various backgrounds together to celebrate their different cultures while emphasizing that everyone is important and worthy of respect.

One of the most vocal amongst the “low-caste” leaders was Jyotirao Phule. Born in 1827, he studied in schools set up by Christian missionaries. On growing up, he developed his own ideas about the injustices of caste society.

Jyotirao Phule was a pioneering voice against caste discrimination. His education, facilitated by missionary schools, opened his eyes to the differences between the treatment of castes and fueled his quest for social justice. He challenged the superiority of upper castes and advocated for the rights of lower castes, emphasizing that their history and dignity should be recognized.

Consider a young person who attends a diverse school where they learn about various cultures and histories. Inspired by this knowledge, they become an advocate for inclusivity, working to ensure that all voices in the community are heard and valued.

Phule was also critical of the anti-colonial nationalism that was preached by upper-caste leaders. He wrote: "The Brahmans have hidden away the sword of their religion which has cut the throat of the peoples’ prosperity..."

Phule critiqued the nationalist movements led by upper castes, arguing that they often disregarded the struggles of lower castes. He viewed their calls for unity and resistance against colonial rule as hypocritical, suggesting that true justice would require addressing caste issues as well.

Think of a student protest where only a certain group is being represented, while others feel their concerns are ignored. A brave student from the sidelined group speaks up, stating that true reform needs to consider everyone's needs, not just those of the dominant group.

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