I recorded a podcast with Manoj Mitta, author of the new book: Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating history of caste and social reforms in India. From detailing the strange laws during colonial times to the interesting courtroom debates and the lesser-known heroes, the narrative uncovers a compelling and lesser-explored aspect of our past. We discuss the barbaric punishment imposed on Lower Castes in Madras in 1816, known as "Confinement in the stocks," and the disturbing practice of "The Breast Tax."

Exploring the root cause of the scarcity of intercaste marriages, we learn about Watandar Joshis, Satyasodhak Samaj, and Self-respect marriages by Periyar, as they shaped the legal concepts of marriages in India.

We also uncover the many unsung figures from history who lead historic battles against untouchability.  Manoj also delves into Mahatma Gandhi's stance during this fight for untouchability and addresses whether caste finds sanction in ancient scriptures, exploring the root cause of this problem as described in religious books. This episode takes listeners through the context of that era, the struggle for equality, and how reforms in Indian society began through both legal and social means.

About Manoj:

Manoj Mitta is a Delhi-based journalist focusing on law, human rights and social justice. A law graduate from Hyderabad, he has worked with the Times of India, the Indian Express and India Today. Mitta has written two critically acclaimed books on impunity for mass violence: When a Tree Shook Delhi: The 1984 Carnage and Its Aftermath, co-authored with H.S. Phoolka (2007), and The Fiction of Fact-finding: Modi and Godhra (2014).

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Link to buy the book:https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B0C1HDLX9P/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0