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Caste is a contested terrain in India’s society and polity. This book explores contemporary realities of caste in rural and urban India. Presenting rich empirical findings across north India, it presents an original perspective on the reasons for the persistence of caste in India today.

Contents: Preface. Introduction: the idea of caste. Part I: 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 II: Caste in the neo-liberal economy. 4. Dalits in business: self-employed scheduled castes in urban India. 5. ‘Caste-blinding’ and corporate hiring. Part III: 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. Index.