The Untouchable as Himself

Professor Khare offers the first major, comprehensive study of what it means to be an Untouchable in contemporary India. 'Based on a study of the Chamars of Lucknow, the work provides a sensitive description of the Untouchables' cultural ideology and its role in helping them confront their everyday dilemmas and conflicts. Although India has legally abolished untouchability, in practical terms the Untouchables continue to experience social resistance and deprivation while changing social circumstances have given rise to a new awareness and increased expectations. In this book, the urban Chamar reformers, leaders, and ordinary persons speak for themselves, revealing a distinctive cultural perspective as well as a serious awareness of their changing role in Indian society.