Uday Pariyar

There has always been a dearth of press coverage and articles on Dalit issues. Out of the few, many published opinion pieces on Dalits make one ponder over who might be the actual culprit behind the current plight of the so-called untouchables. Some highlight the importance of ending intra-Dalit hierarchy and segregation first, as a precondition for doing away with caste-based discrimination. To validate their arguments, the authors usually cite examples of Dalits discriminating against Dalits much the same way as non-Dalits treat them.

Though it is undeniable that Dalits are not a monolithic group and there is intra-Dalit hierarchy, not all would accept the mea culpa view. Indeed they would be in a much better position to get organised and rise against the discriminatory practices and traditions if they were not culturally and ritually divided. In an ideal world it would be a perfect thing to do. And there are many Dalit rights activists who have been advocating for the same.

But the main question is – is intra-Dalit hierarchy the absolute cause behind the perpetuation of the evil practice? Would Dalits be free from domination had there been no division within Dalits? Or are the intellectuals and writers simply projecting the issue in such a way that Dalits themselves can be blamed for their suffering? Could it be a part of their implicit attempts to eschew Dalit’s freedom?

In reality, there is no community in Nepal that does not have its internal hierarchy. Newars are an obvious example. Different clans of Bahuns consider themselves higher than other Bahuns. So, it is simply not true that only Dalits are divided along a hierarchical line. History also shows it was not Dalits who created the divisions amongst themselves. Clearly, this was a product of a divide and rule strategy adopted by the so-called high castes over centuries to ensure that those at the bottom of the social strata never unite for their common cause.

Do we then blame all high castes? If we hold this perception we would have to point our fingers at every member of the Bahun and Chhetri communities, including the impoverished and undernourished ones living in remotest parts of Humla, Jumla and Kalikot districts. Is this a realistic view?

History is witness to the fact that the Hindu religion prescribed the caste hierarchy and the state of Nepal applied it over the centuries. Those who did not follow the caste rules would be heavily penalised and tortured. For instance, if any member of Dalit community was found reading books during the Rana regime, his eyes would be destroyed. If he heard any sacred mantras, molten lead would be poured into his ears.

The Malla rulers started the strict implementation of Manubad and the Shahs, Ranas and Panchayati Rajas did their level best to ensure the practice continued. The rise of multiparty system in 1990 raised some hopes but it also proved to be a democratic façade. The party rulers promised a lot, made some changes to the constitution terminating caste based discriminations on paper, but did nothing significant to discourage the state-sponsored discriminatory practices.

Even now there are many cases of police refusing to register the cases on untouchability issues. Dalits are discriminated even at homes of the government ministers and senior administrators. Dalits across the country continue to be victimised. Nobody is bothered about such a serious abuse of human rights and attack on civil liberty. In essence, there is not much change.

On the surface, we could blame all those who discriminate against a certain segment of population on the basis of their caste background. But clearly the state is the main culprit. It means all those who ruled or are ruling are responsible for the inhumane practice. Even the Maoist party that stayed in power briefly cannot escape the blame. Everybody is cognisant of this reality.

This understanding makes it clear that those so-called intellectuals who recommend an end to the intra-community hierarchy within Dalits as a way of liberating them are simply not telling the truth. They are simply trying to evade the real issue and covertly endorse the inhumane practice. They are recommending medical cure for the limbs despite knowing that the real illness is in the head.

This is such a plain fact but even some Dalit activists and leaders appear to be confused. No doubt, the real culprit is the state. The real target should be the state. Of course, intra-Dalit hierarchy should be challenged but it won’t make much impact unless the very nature of the state is transformed. Simply altering the system of governance will not mean anything for the suffering masses, as evidenced by history.

The state should be forced to shed all the traditional caste-based principles and practices. The rulers should be made to stop discriminating against Dalits inside their homes and communities. Nobody working for the government should be allowed to practice untouchability. Only then would we begin to see some changes in the perceptions and practice of the grassroots people.
(ud.pariyar@gmail.com)

[Also published in “Newsfront Weekly, Kathmandu, Monday December 3, 2007]