Caste Away

Joshua Gnanaselvan Joshua Gnanaselvan

Offering a meticulous exploration of Tamil Nadu's intricate caste dynamics, Na. Vanamamalai's pivotal work unveils the endeavours of lower-caste communities in challenging established hierarchies. It spans the Chola dynasty to the early part of the twentieth century. Through extensive research and insightful analysis, Prof. Na. Va. elucidates how certain communities strategically appropriated the varna system, elevating their social status. Drawing on various source texts, including historical documents, verses by socially committed ascetics, and court judgments, Na. Va. demonstrates how the Chola kings tactically offered concessions to different caste clusters, navigating a delicate balance between benefits and exploitation.

This work compellingly argues that caste-based conflicts were fundamentally manifestations of class antagonisms, challenging conventional interpretations and showing how the pursuit of caste equality aimed not at creating an egalitarian society but at elevating the social standing of specific castes.