India Ink

Our mission is to communicate Indian history in a way that’s simple and accessible. Our work is based on academic research - and we always cite our sources!

[India Ink @IndiaInkHistory]

When the 19th century began, no one was sure of who or what a Hindu was. But by the end of the 20th century, it seemed like the majority of India's population was Hindu since the beginning of time. This is the story of what happened in between... https://t.co/O5xevx2IAs

[अनुप्रास अलंकार अनुरागी💙 @buffchillistan]

Something I did with @IndiaInkHistory. Read on to know what have been the attitudes towards adding caste in the census.

[Bahujan Economists @BahujanEcon]

Thread on the history of caste census:

[Alex Cobham @alexcobham.bsky.social @alexcobham]

Really useful thread about the arguments for and against asking about caste in the Indian census. (I explore international comparisons over time in The Uncounted, considering when marginalised groups in particular may seek, or resist, being counted by the state.)

[India Ink @IndiaInkHistory]

Source text: Caste as Census Category: Implications for Sociology
Publication: Current Sociology (2000)
Author: Nandini Sundar
Summary by: Amlan Sarkar

To read a more detailed version of this summary or to access the original paper, go to our website... https://t.co/UllKmSFqMe

[India Ink @IndiaInkHistory]

Should we include caste in the census?

Some believe that it will lead to greater social equality, while others believe it will divide Indian society even further.

This thread will trace the history of caste in the census and analyse the arguments for and against it👇

[India Ink @IndiaInkHistory]

While supporters of the caste census argue for the need to collect caste data, it is clear that data alone isn’t enough to change Indian society. The hope is that this data will lead to more mobilisation by the people for greater equality and justice.

[India Ink @IndiaInkHistory]

Source Text: Caste Politics in Bihar: In Historical Continuum
Publication: History and Sociology of South Asia (2018)
Author: Rakesh Ankit
Summarised by Isha Phullay

Click on the link below to read a more detailed version of this thread. https://t.co/v8nonnyk4i

[India Ink @IndiaInkHistory]

The popular understanding of backward caste politics in Bihar is linked to the rise of Lalu Prasad Yadav in the 1990s. But the struggle for upliftment of these groups goes all the way back to the early 20th century. Thread👇

[India Ink @IndiaInkHistory]

14. While Lalu’s politics in the previous decade had focused on justice and dignity in the face of upper caste oppression, Nitish emphasised welfare and development programs.