On the Margins in Gods Own City: The Geography of the Scheduled Castes in Varanasi
Published: May 15, 2020
Photo courtesy: Evgeny-Nelmin
Varanasi or 'Kashi', as it was known in the ancient texts is one of India's oldest and holiest cities. It holds great significance for the Hindu pilgrims who throng the various temples located in the city.
Abstract: Varanasi, being one of the most socially diverse cities of India has been moulded over time by the underlying religio-ritual processes. There is a relatively weaker religious association of the Scheduled Castes with the mainstream Hindu society of the city. This is manifested through their inconsequential roles in the religio-ritual practices performed at various temples, influenced by the earlier practice of untouchability. Their negligible numerical strength in the core of the city renders them almost irrelevant in its social, economic, and cultural life.
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