Caste in Contemporary India

Surinder S. Jodhka is Professor of Sociology, Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

• Preface. Introduction: The Idea of Caste Part 1: Hierarchies and the Politics of Citizenship 1. Pollution and Prejudice: Vestiges of Untouchability in Rural Punjab 2. Atrocities and Resistance: Dalit Assertions for Citizenship 3. Caste and Democratic Politics: A Differentiated View Part 2: Caste in the Neo-Liberal Economy 4. Dalits in Business: Self-Employed Scheduled Castes in Urban India 5. ‘Caste-Blinding’ and Corporate Hiring Part 3: Mobility and Mobilizations 6. Social Mobility and Quest for Autonomy: Global Contours of Ravidasi Identity 7. Battling for Dignity: Dalit Activists of Delhi. Conclusion: The Futures of Caste. Bibliography. About the Author. Index

"Studies of caste in India were frequent and quite comprehensive in the earliest research conducted by social scientists. However, those studies were flawed and somewhat biased. Jodhka’s insightful and thorough work on this important topic brings everything up to date. This is a powerful and important investigation based on solid empirical research. ... For advanced students of South Asia and educated general readers. Summing Up: Essential. Most levels/libraries." J.J. Preston, Sonoma State University, in CHOICE, September 2015 "This is a very useful book that reflects on the general question of how caste might be theorized and makes available new empirical material on the experience of Dalits in north and northwest India. Those unfamiliar with the Punjab will be introduced to this important region."Andrew Watt, University of Bristol, Pacific Affairs: Vol. 90, No. 4, December 2017