UMA CHAKRABORTY
1. The reading breaks down the discrimination that arises from the banner of caste and gender, and especially how when the two combine, the repercussions are enormous. While explaining the concept of caste, the author goes through the history of caste discrimination, the concept of 'untouchability' and provides examples regarding how the lower castes had been excluded in the past. She also gives an example of a Dalit woman and describes the marginalization she has faced. The author creates an important distinction between caste and class, as it often remains a blurred topic. She reflects on the development of caste over time and how it originated from Brahmanical texts but over time has evolved into something new. The word 'alienation' beautifully captures the essence of what the community has been facing. She talks about Ambedkar and different states to provide an all-encompassing perspective.
2. In the second chapter, the author shifts the focus on women's subordination. She underlines the historical development of patriarchy in society and how it has transformed over time. She further moves on to exclaim on the intersection of class and gender and talks about endogamy in the caste system to distinguish between class and caste. She emphasizes on endogamy as the basic element in the marriage system of the Indian subcontinent and how it has been the primary means by which the separation between "pure" and "impure" is achieved. The author further dwells on the concept of "arranged" marriage and expands on the way marriage is treated in India, based on marriage practices and the general response to the same. Under Brahmanical patriarchy, women of upper castes are seen as gateways into the caste system and its obsessive concern with controlling female sexuality has continued to survive.
1. The reading breaks down the discrimination that arises from the banner of caste and gender, and especially how when the two combine, the repercussions are enormous. While explaining the concept of caste, the author goes through the history of caste discrimination, the concept of 'untouchability' and provides examples regarding how the lower castes had been excluded in the past. She also gives an example of a Dalit woman and describes the marginalization she has faced. The author creates an important distinction between caste and class, as it often remains a blurred topic. She reflects on the development of caste over time and how it originated from Brahmanical texts but over time has evolved into something new. The word 'alienation' beautifully captures the essence of what the community has been facing. She talks about Ambedkar and different states to provide an all-encompassing perspective.
2. In the second chapter, the author shifts the focus on women's subordination. She underlines the historical development of patriarchy in society and how it has transformed over time. She further moves on to exclaim on the intersection of class and gender and talks about endogamy in the caste system to distinguish between class and caste. She emphasizes on endogamy as the basic element in the marriage system of the Indian subcontinent and how it has been the primary means by which the separation between "pure" and "impure" is achieved. The author further dwells on the concept of "arranged" marriage and expands on the way marriage is treated in India, based on marriage practices and the general response to the same. Under Brahmanical patriarchy, women of upper castes are seen as gateways into the caste system and its obsessive concern with controlling female sexuality has continued to survive.
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