Book review | The historical backstory: Bhima Koregaon – Challenging Caste.
The Telegraph / by Sharmila Purkayastha
Leaving aside the somewhat extended Maoist plot, a narrative challenge in the book, Ashraf’s contribution lies in his excavation of caste contestations of modern Maharashtra
In the opening pages of Bhima Koregaon, Ajaz Ashraf sounds a word of caution when he tells the reader that the book lacks a beginning. Not just beginnings but tracing thematic connections is difficult since diverse events are yoked together across a wide swathe of historical time ranging from Shivaji’s coronation in 1674 till now.
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Bhima Koregaon: Challenging Caste. Brahminism’s wrath against dreamers of equality
Author: Ajaz Ashraf
Publisher: AuthorsUpFront
Publishing Date: June 2024
Pages: 496
Challenging Caste reads the violence at Bhima Koregaon as a clash between two worldviews – one striving to flatten the social hierarchy, the other justifying and perpetuating it. This book rips apart the Maoist conspiracy theory and the Urban Naxal narrative.
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Also watch/read:
▪ Video | Many Meanings of Bhima Koregaon: Ajaz Ashraf
By Daanish Bin Nabi
en | 20:12min | 2024
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▪ Process as Punishment – Recent books that bear witness to the BK-16’s incarceration (The Caravan / Jul 2024)