Conceptualising Subaltern Politics in India: A Theoretical Framework

Abstract

This paper deals with the theoretical understanding of the term subaltern, subalternity and subaltern politics in India. It also highlights the contribution made by the subaltern studies group towards the understanding of subaltern politics in India. In the contemporary times subaltern social groups is placed in relation to socio economic relation, political institutions and cultural forms and their struggle against the unequal power structure, unjust societies and unequal developmental trajectories. It was found that the subaltern politics cannot be identified as an autonomous domain since the dominant and subaltern discourse has become interdependent in the present socio political context. The politics of elite and subaltern cannot be formulated or separated rigidly rather they are more flexible and interconnected. The study further asserted that the different subaltern groups also celebrated their differences and heterogeneity while the earlier subaltern struggle was seen as the struggle for recognition of equals. By celebrating and acknowledging the differences they try to produce their identity. Therefore the study comes into proposition how the subalternity and differences intersects with each other owing to the context in which it has been examined.