Addressing the complex social fabric of Indian society, this book explores its history, marked by enduring conflicts between Brahmanic and Un-Brahmanic forces that have shaped its ideological and philosophical traditions. While Brahmanism emphasised divine worship, purity, and hierarchy, Un-Brahmanic traditions, including Shramanic systems like Jainism and Buddhism, championed humanitarian values, equality, and rationality, challenging the dominance of Brahmanic ideologies. This book explores the evolution of social reform movements in India, from those under the leadership of Bhakti saints to revolutionary figures like Jotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Chhatrapati Shahu, E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, Narayan Guru, and B.R. Ambedkar. It examines how certain roles and perspectives, such as those challenging Brahmanic forces, contributed to resisting caste hierarchies, Brahmanical patriarchy, and oppressive traditions through education, legislation, and activism. The author highlights their contributions to civil rights, gender equality, and the establishment of democratic and secular values in modern India. This book will be essential reading for scholars and students of exclusion studies, history, sociology, political science, gender, and cultural studies. It will also be important for those interested in Indian social reform, caste dynamics, and the legacy of transformative movements that continue to shape contemporary society.
