Dalit Women: An Untouchable in Academics

Women in urban spaces in India are initiating prolific conversations surrounding their bodies, sexual freedom, and choices. But these conversations do not encompass all of the india’s gender issues especially when gender realities in our country are intersected along economic, religious and caste lines. The academic sphere is generally seen as a space for knowledge creation. However, it can be argued that there is Brahminical hegemony over knowledge which is knowingly or unknowingly reflected in the academia. Caste based discrimination has been a very much part and parcel of the higher education precisely because it has been an integral part of the Indian social life so much so that it has got if not legal, then the social legitimacy. Within higher education dalit (untouchable) women are all most absent compare to dalit men as they seldom get opportunity to educate themselves. The once who manages to reach there faces sever discrimination. They are discourage at every level. There are many examples of exclusion faced by Dalit women in the academic sphere. Universities are a part of the larger society, and it thus follows that the societal prejudices will find a place in these universities too. Doubts cast on their intelligence and capabilities are present forms of caste discrimination faced by Dalit women in academics.through my work I want to through light on the conditon of dalit women in higher education in India.