If India de-facto becomes a Hindu Rashtra, how will it impact Dalits?

 

If India de-facto becomes a Hindu Rashtra, how will it impact Dalits?

SR Darapuri I.P.S.(Retd)

The concept of India becoming a de-facto Hindu Rashtra—a nation where Hindu identity and values are prioritized in governance, laws, and society—remains a hypothetical scenario debated in political and social discourse. It's often associated with Hindu nationalist ideologies promoted by groups like the RSS and BJP, emphasizing cultural and religious unity under Hinduism. Dalits (Scheduled Castes), who have historically faced severe discrimination under the caste system embedded in traditional Hinduism, could experience multifaceted impacts. Based on analyses from scholars, activists, and public discussions, the effects would likely be predominantly negative, potentially exacerbating caste hierarchies while offering limited or superficial inclusion for some. Below, I'll outline key potential impacts in a balanced manner, drawing from available perspectives.

 Reinforcement of Caste Hierarchies and Discrimination

A Hindu Rashtra could entrench the varna system (caste divisions) more deeply into state policies, viewing Dalits through a lens of traditional Hindu texts that historically treated them as "outcastes" or untouchables. Upper-caste dominance might intensify, leading to:

- Increased social exclusion: Dalits could face renewed stigma, with practices like untouchability resurfacing in subtle or overt forms, confining them to menial jobs and limiting access to education or resources. For instance, some argue that Brahmin-led ideologies would force Dalits back into subservient roles, treating them as "slaves" without the protections of a secular constitution.

- Heightened violence: Caste-based atrocities, already rampant, might rise without strong secular safeguards. Dalit women, in particular, could face amplified sexual violence and lack of justice, as Hindu nationalist narratives sometimes downplay or justify caste divisions.

- Economic marginalization: Access to land, jobs, and property could be curtailed, with policies favouring upper castes. Dalits might be pressured to "reconvert" or align with Hindutva to avoid further exclusion, but this could come at the cost of their autonomy.

Historically, Hindu nationalists have worked to incorporate Dalits into a broader Hindu identity for demographic and electoral gains, despite traditional texts excluding them from core Hindu rites. This "inclusion" is often superficial and doesn't dismantle caste barriers.

Impact on Affirmative Action and Reservations

India's Constitution, framed by B.R. Ambedkar (a Dalit leader who rejected Hinduism), provides reservations for Scheduled Castes to counter historical injustices. In a Hindu Rashtra:

- Potential erosion of benefits: Reservations might be reframed or diluted under a Hindu-centric framework, especially if Dalits convert out of Hinduism (e.g., to Buddhism, Islam, or Christianity), leading to loss of SC status and eligibility for jobs, education, or reserved constituencies. Some fear this could extend to reclassifying castes rigidly, treating even upwardly mobile Dalits as perpetual "Shudras."

Social and Cultural Shifts

- Conversions as resistance: Many Dalits have historically converted to other religions (e.g., Buddhism) as a protest against caste oppression. A Hindu Rashtra might intensify anti-conversion laws, restricting this escape route and forcing assimilation, which could spark more unrest.

- Fragmentation of Hindu unity: While proponents claim it would unify Hindus, it could rigidify internal divisions, with Dalits mobilizing against upper-caste antagonism. Educated Dalits are already countering this through awareness of rights. However, this might lead to broader societal instability, akin to religious polarization affecting minorities.

- Limited positive aspects: Some Dalits align with Hindutva for perceived protection or empowerment against other groups (e.g., Muslims), and government schemes might continue. But critics argue this is tokenistic, not addressing root caste issues.

 Political Marginalization: Dalits might be mobilized as foot soldiers of Hindutva against Muslims and Christians (“the external enemy”), but their own fight against caste could be silenced. Independent Dalit movements and parties may face state repression or be co-opted into the larger Hindutva fold. Upper-caste dominance in leadership would likely persist despite claims of Hindu unity.

In summary, while a few Dalits might benefit from nominal inclusion in a "unified" Hindu fold, the overarching concern is that a de-facto Hindu Rashtra would undermine secular protections, revive caste-based subjugation, and limit social mobility for Dalits. This could lead to greater inequality and conflict, as seen in ongoing debates. Actual outcomes would depend on implementation, but historical patterns and current trends suggest disproportionate harm to marginalized groups like Dalits. For a non-hypothetical view, India's current trajectory under Hindu nationalist governance already shows mixed results, with persistent caste violence amid affirmative policies.