Kanshiram (PB)

Venerated as a Dalit icon Kanshiram (1934-2006) is regarded as being next only to Ambedkar today. This book illuminates his journey from the early years in rural Punjab and with Ambedkarites in Pune to his launching BAMCEF and eventually the Bahujan Samaj Party in 1984.Drawing on myriad oral and written sources Badri Narayan shows how Kanshiram rouses Dalits' self-respect with his homespun idiom cycle rallies and uniquely the use of local folk myths. In contrast to Ambedkar who sought to annihilate caste Kanshiram forged Dalit identity as a source of political empowerment and struck opportunistic alliances with higher-caste parties-a vision that his protégée Mayawati continues topursue. Narayan also describes Kanshiram's extraordinary relationship with Mayawati right until his death.Authoritative and insightful this is a rare portrait of the man who changed the face of dalit society and indeed of Indian politics. Review The first scholarly attempt to chronicle the life of [Mayawati's] more celebrated mentor. . . . Worth a read'-The Hindu -- The Hindu'A comprehensive and well-written book . . . Narayan draws attention to significant features of Kanshiram's thinking'-Indian Express -- Indian Express'This book must be read by every student of Indian politics'-Business Standard -- Business Standard About the Author Badri Narayanis a professor at G.B. Pant Social Science Institute Allahabad. His research interests range from popular culture social and anthropological history to Dalit and subaltern issues.Writing in English and Hindi Narayan is the author of The Making of the Dalit Public in North India Uttar Pradesh 1950-Present (2011) Fascinating Hindutva-Saffron Politics and Dalit Mobilisation (2009) and Women Heroes and Dalit Assertion in North India (2006). He has also been the recipient of the Fulbright Senior Fellowship (2004-05) and the Smuts Fellowship University of Cambridge (2007).