This systematic literature review explores the historical marginalization and ongoing struggle for equal participation of Dalit women in India. Drawing on sociocultural research, it delves into the intersection of caste, gender, and class, analyzing narratives, challenges, and cultural practices across three decades. By transcending disciplinary boundaries (cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, feminist theory), it examines grassroots activism, daily experiences, and broader societal dynamics. This critical dialogue aims to deconstruct tokenism and illuminate the complexities of Dalit women's resistance against oppression. It amplifies their voices, experiences, and resilience within the intricate socio-cultural fabric of India.

The basic objective of this review is analyzing the plight of Dalit women during past three decades of census in India viz. 1991 to 2001, 2001 to 2011 and 2011 till date because no census has been conducted after 2011. ‘Dalit feminism’ reflects an intersectional lens, analyzing how caste, class, and gender intertwine to shape the experiences of Dalit women. It examines their fight for justice across various domains, from battling violence and securing decent work to accessing education and participating in political processes.‘Dalitfemism’highlights the intersectionality of gender and caste issues within the Dalit community, encompassing both the challenges they face and the empowering aspects of their cultural practices. The exploration finally identifies key trends of ‘Dalitfemism’.

Violence against Dalit women

The discourse surrounding violence against Dalit women reflects an evolving comprehension of its roots, manifestations, and potential resolutions. Dalit women endure severe brutality inflicted by upper-caste figures including landlords, moneylenders, local officials, and law enforcement, whether in the context of agrarian movements or in their everyday lives (Meera, 1979). Plagued by substantial debts, they often toil in the fields of these figures, subjected to unpaid and indefinite labor and, in some instances, coerced into providing sexual favors as a means of debt repayment. This exploitation is uniquely entrenched within the caste, religious, and political structures governing land relations (Mandal, 2004).

The spectrum of violence faced by Dalit women encompasses physical assault, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, rape, sexual exploitation, forced prostitution, abduction, incarceration, and medical neglect, alongside domestic abuses like female foeticide, infanticide, child sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence (Mangubhai& Lee, 2012). Despite higher rates of violence reported among scheduled caste women compared to others, domestic violence against Dalit women remains inadequately addressed (Sujatha, 2014).Within marital homes, Dalit women encounter various forms of exploitation and abuse, perpetuating cycles of suffering and marginalization (Senapati, 2021). Postcolonial feminist critiques highlight the influence of India's sexual violence discourses on Dalit rape victims, including concepts of honor, shame, and marital status (Mangat, 2022).

To safeguard Dalit women from multiple victimizations, comprehensive measures are imperative. A protective approach should dismantle the intersecting oppressions of caste, patriarchy, and bureaucracy, while affirmative measures must ensure robust welfare provision post-victimization through effective administration, judiciary, and welfare services (Kumar, 2014). Implementation and oversight of existing policies, alongside the removal of barriers hindering their execution, are crucial steps in this endeavor. Table – 1 represents list of papers on this subject.

Table - 1

Working condition of Dalit women

Ghosh and Ghosh (1997) assert in their book 'Dalit Women' that economic deprivation compels Dalit women to undertake laborious tasks typically reserved for men, often without fair compensation. These tasks include working in paddy fields, construction sites, maternity care, corpse disposal, and entertainment roles like dancing as dom women. Despite their diverse contributions, Dalit women face marginalization and stigma, relegated to low-paying daily wage jobs due to poverty and illiteracy, and subjected to humiliation, beating, and torture if they demand better pay or resist orders (Mahey, 2003). Globalization exacerbates their plight, especially for those not near Special Economic Zones, with the transformation of agriculture into industries like floriculture and horticulture. Dalit women and girls engage in flower picking for meager wages, exposing them to health risks from agrochemicals, with adverse effects including excessive discharge and tumors (Fatima, 2008).

Dalits, including Dalit women, are categorized into various low-paying occupations, with around three-quarters working in agriculture, yet over forty million are trapped in bonded labor. This leaves Dalit families struggling to afford basic needs like education and healthcare, perpetuating cycles of poverty and illiteracy (Tayyab, 2015). However, there is a growing Dalit middle class that challenges historical exclusion and advocates for fair benefits from globalization, displaying resilience and agency within societal structures (Pai, 2015). Kumar (2020) emphasizes the continued performance of menial household tasks by Dalit women in rural India, underscoring their transformative journey from submission to resistance. This comprehensive review highlights the evolving challenges and triumphs of Dalit women in the context of their working conditions and societal positions.Table – 2 represents list of papers on this subject.

Table - 2

Level of educationof Dalit Women

Discrimination against women in India spans from female infanticide to dowry deaths, rape, and indecent portrayal, showcasing a multifaceted challenge (Nambissan, 1996). Education emerges as a pivotal solution to rectify the preservation of women's rights, yet the educational lag in Dalit communities is often linked to poverty and illiteracy at home (Nambissan, 1996). The formal educational system for Dalit pupils faces issues such as inadequate infrastructure and pedagogic support, shaping their learning experiences significantly (Verma, 2000).Caste plays a dominant role in shaping the educational landscape in India, where lower-caste students encounter discrimination both academically and socially (Kapoor, 2008). Dalit students face discriminatory practices in schools, including being prohibited from using common facilities due to fears of contamination (Nambissan, 2009). The curriculum lacks representation of Dalit history, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization (Nambissan, 2009). Discrimination continues into higher education, where Dalit students face tangible and intangible forms of social exclusion (Neelakandan&Patil, 2012).The educational status of Dalit women also reflects broader societal challenges, influencing perspectives on domestic work, marriage, and sexuality (Paik, 2014). Despite these challenges, education remains a crucial empowerment tool for marginalized groups, offering a path to break free from poverty and foster community development (Churiyana, 2017).In the contemporary era, education is recognized as a fundamental tool for personal development and societal progress, encompassing various dimensions of growth and addressing issues of welfare, freedom, and equal opportunity (Churiyana, 2017). Empowering the less privileged through education is essential to level the employment playing field and promote inclusive societal development. Table – 3 represents list of papers on this subject.

Table - 3

Political participationof Dalit Women

Sociopolitical development (SPD) expands upon notions of empowerment and social change within the realm of community psychology, encompassing concepts such as oppression, liberation, critical consciousness, and culture (Watts, Williams, &Jagers, 2003). SPD entails individuals acquiring knowledge, analytical skills, emotional faculties, and the capacity for political and social action to interpret and resist oppression, stressing the importance of envisioning liberation as an alternative to oppressive conditions. However, these crucial concepts have been inadequately emphasized in the social change literature of U.S. community psychology (Watts et al., 2003).

Regarding women's participation in politics, Chhibber (2003) asserts that it is not solely dependent on attitude but also on the lack of exposure. Ciotti (2006) delves into the participation of women party activists within Dalit politics, exploring the potential for feminist politics within spaces dominated by masculine powers and caste identity-driven politicians, along with the challenges faced by women in establishing a political career.Malik (2011) investigates the motivating factors driving Dalit women's engagement in politics and the socio-economic factors influencing their political participation, focusing on their reasons for entering village politics and candidacy, strategies employed to garner support, concerns related to safety and security, and pathways to entering panchayats. However, the political space allocated to Dalit Women Elected Representatives (DWERs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions remains constrained and limited (Malik &Shrivastava, 2011).

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of numerous resistance movements led by Dalit feminist women in India, accompanied by a growing body of literature by Dalit feminist writers (Teltumde, 2017). Bharti (2017) attempts to outline the significance of moral self within the Dalit framework, emphasizing the inherently moral vision of Dalit politics. Furthermore, Haokip and Umarani (2018) highlight that a significant number of scheduled caste (Dalit) individuals have secured positions in panchayats, with nearly half a million elected representatives across three tiers in each round of elections, of which approximately 40% are women from scheduled castes.Despite the decentralization process granting representation to Dalits in panchayats, various challenges persist, hindering meaningful participation. These challenges include financial dependence, patriarchal opposition, bureaucratic dominance, feudal values, limited education, reluctance from state-level politicians, administrative corruption, legal complexities, increased atrocities, violence against Dalit representatives, misuse of no-confidence motions, problems with mandatory seat rotation, and discrimination against elected Dalit panchayat presidents. These obstacles obstruct the political empowerment of marginalized communities. Effective implementation of reservation policies is crucial, necessitating stringent action against inhumane attacks on Dalit representatives to uphold the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act and activate reservations for SC Women. Thirupati (2021) emphasizes the need for central and state governments to decentralize power for policy effectiveness.Table – 4 represents list of papers on this subject.

Table - 4

Environment and Dalit Women

The systematic literature review delves into the historical narrative of Dalit women's experiences, with a focus on their cultural practices intertwined with environmental sustainability. Environmental sociology, as elucidated by Catton Jr and Dunlap (1978), examines the intricate relationship between societies and their natural environments to identify environmental issues and propose appropriate solutions.

Kumar and Mishra (2022) observe that while mainstream environmental movements in India address ecological concerns affecting marginalized groups like Dalit women, certain movements such as 'New Traditionalism,' Sulabh International (1970), the Chipko Movement (1973), Ralegan Siddhi village (1975), and the Narmada BachaoAndolan (1985) tend to overlook the specific ecological challenges faced by Dalits. Scholars like Gadgil and Guha underscore the media's neglect of Dalits' environmental contributions, labeling them 'invisible environmentalists.' Additionally, mainstream environmental movements and discourses often fail to recognize the significant role Dalits played in the 2014 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), despite facing ecological crises such as limited resource access and prohibitions.

Dalit environmental perspectives, expressed through various literary forms, offer a unique spectrum of environmentalism for broader dissemination. Integrating Dalit insights on ecological vulnerability, shaped by their socioeconomic experiences, is crucial for addressing global ecological crises. Prasad (2022) emphasizes the need to incorporate Dalit perspectives into Indian environmental discourse, recognizing their capacity to formulate effective responses to environmental degradation and climate change.Table – 5 represents list of papers on this subject.

Table - 5

Empowerment of Dalit Women

Rege (1998) discusses the emergence of autonomous Dalit women organizations in the 1990s, which posed theoretical and political challenges to upper castes and patriarchal norms, aiming to carve out a distinct identity and standpoint (Chattopadhyay, 2003). Devi (2006) conducts a study on Dalit women, highlighting the role of Dr. B.R Ambedkar in their empowerment and socio-cultural evolution, attributing contemporary rights to his visionary leadership. Despite political hurdles, Ambedkar's legacy continues to guide the empowerment of this historically marginalized group, with comprehensive strategies addressing various facets of their lives (Kumar, 2009).

The intersectionality of caste, gender, and class shapes the distinct experiences of Dalit women, setting them apart from women of general castes (Kumar, 2009). They face structural discrimination, perform different occupations, and endure societal prejudice and contempt, often manifested through atrocities committed by upper castes (Kumar, 2009). However, recent years have seen a convergence of forces: the awakening of women and a commitment to local democracy (Behera, 2011). Elected women representatives at the grassroots level are not only beneficiaries but also key agents of change, challenging traditional gender roles and addressing vital issues like health and education (Behera, 2011).

GarimaAbhiyan collaborates with activists to empower Dalit women and children, fostering critical thinking and advocacy against manual scavenging (Schauman, 2012). Notably, scholarly attention has shifted towards understanding the unique struggles of Dalit women, exploring themes of patriarchy, caste prejudice, and education (Paik, 2016). Their empowerment hinges on addressing personal security, education, socio-economic development, and social justice (Sagar& Bhargava, 2017). The 73rd Constitutional Amendment of 1993 reserves seats for Dalit women in rural representative bodies, enhancing their participation in local governance (Vyshali, 2021).Table – 6 represents list of papers on this subject.Furthermore, autobiographies serve as a powerful tool for Dalit women writers to voice their resistance against caste-based oppression and gender discrimination, challenging the centuries-old chains of slavery (Muley, 2022). Through their narratives, they demand equal treatment, honor, and respect, inspiring a new path for oppressed women worldwide (Muley, 2022). To fully grasp the realities faced by Dalit women, a comprehensive analysis of caste, class, and gender dynamics is essential (Sagar& Bhargava, 2017). Ultimately, their empowerment lies in integrating political, cultural, and social histories into their narratives, contributing to inclusive and transformative politics in India (Paik, 2016).

Table - 6

The study focuses on past three decades viz. 1991 to 2001, 2001 to 2011 and 2011 till date. These time durations have been chosen as census has been carried out in 1991, 2001 and 2011 and in these years’ latest information regarding various aspects of population is collected and updated to the public. After 2011 no census has been carried out till date. Some papers before 1991 have also been reviewed due to their key significant contributions. Included studies are those which speak about the central themes chosen for study. Exclusion criteria is applied based on the relevance of the content to the central theme and the rigor of the research methodologies employed.Some papers before past three decades have also been included for methodological rigor and their significant key contributions. A total of 139 articles were reviewed. Out of them 52 articles were then classified and arranged chronologically based on central themes viz. violence, working condition, level of education, political participation, environment sustainability and Dalit cultural practices and Dalit cultural traditions which empower them or marginalize them. The systematic study of these articles helped to find the key trends in the plight of Dalit women on the selected themes. Finally, a picture of overall status of Dalit women is derived focusing on their social and cultural status.

The examination delineates a complex and arduous terrain faced by Dalit women in India. They contend with widespread manifestations of cruelty and bias ingrained within the entrenched caste system, addressing predicaments encompassing sexual coercion, violence and economic adversities. The study underscores the urgent need for protective measures to dismantle the collaboration between caste and patriarchy, alongside affirmative policies that ensure effective post-victimization welfare. Beyond victimization, Dalit women face educational disparities and societal marginalization, exacerbated by the challenges brought about by globalization.

The analysis also sheds light on the evolving socio-political scenario, emphasizing the crucial role of sociopolitical development (SPD) in empowering marginalized communities. It explores Dalit women participation in politics, resistance movements and the need for effective policies to address challenges hindering meaningful participation.

Environmental sociology emerges as a key lens to understand Dalit women unique ecological challenges, often overlooked by mainstream environmental movements. The study advocates for recognizing and integrating Dalit perspectives to effectively respond to the global ecological crisis.The review finally suggests that by acknowledging the transformative impact of interventions like GarimaAbhiyan, grassroots political representation and constitutional amendments in empowering Dalit women. Autobiographies are recognized as powerful tools for Dalit women to articulate their resistance against caste-based oppression, contributing to a broader narrative of equality. In essence, the analysis calls for comprehensive social, economic and political reforms to address the persistent struggles faced by Dalit women and foster a more inclusive and just society.

1. Ahammad, M. R. Towards Empowerment of Dalit Women–A Brief Outline. AnudhyanAn International Journal of Social Sciences, 65.

2. Bansode, N., &Swaminathan, M. (2021). Caste discrimination in the provision of basic amenities: A note based on census data for a backward region of Maharashtra. Review of Agrarian Studies, 11(2), 90-103.

3. Behera, B. (2011). Dalit Women's Political Empowerment ThroughPanchayati Raj System in India. Voice of Dalit, 4(2), 215-226.

4. Berreman, G. D. (1972). Race, caste, and other invidious distinctions in social stratification. Race, 13(4), 385-414.

5. Bharti, M. (2017). Understanding the Dalit Self: Politics and world view. Social Scientist, 45(1/2), 33-47.

6. Bishwakarma, R., Hunt, V., &Zajicek, A. (2007). Educating Dalit women: Beyond a one-dimensional policy formulation. HIMALAYA, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies, 27(1), 5.

7. Brahmanandam, T. DEVELOPMENT OF DALIT WOMEN IN INDIA: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS.

8. Catton Jr, W. R., & Dunlap, R. E. (1978). Environmental sociology: A new paradigm. The american sociologist, 41-49.

9. Chander, R. K. Violence Against Dalit Women: Incidence, Causes, Consequences and Remedial Strategies with Special Reference to Policing. EDITORIAL BOARD, 157.

10. Chatterjee, D. Dalit Women and the Public Sphere in India.

11. Chattopadhyay, M. (2003, January). Dalit Women ask for Human Rights. In Proceedings of the Indian History Congress (Vol. 64, pp. 878-882). Indian History Congress.

12. Chaudhuri, S. G. (2015). Political Participation and Women’s Leadership. In Unveiling Women’s Leadership: Identity and meaning of leadership in India (pp. 13-24). London: Palgrave Macmillan UK.

13. Churiyana, P. B. (2017). Educational Status of Dalit Women in India-Changes and Challenges.

14. Ciotti, M. (2006). At the margins of feminist politics? A comparative analysis of women in Dalit politics and Hindu Right organisations in northern India. Contemporary South Asia, 15(4), 437-452.

15. Datta, A., &Satija, S. (2020). Women, development, caste, and violence in rural Bihar, India. Asian Journal of Women's Studies, 26(2), 223-244.

16. Deen, S. (2020). Caste Rigidity and Socio-economic Condition of Dalits in India. Globalization, Marginalization and Conflict: Political, economic and social processes, 135-163.

17. Devi, V. K. (2023). An Analytical Study On Dalit Women And Contribution Of Dr. BR Ambedkar To Their Empowerment. Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 34, 2330-2341.

18. Fatima, B. (2008). Facing despair Struggles and Challenges of Dalit Women. In Tamil Nadu Women's Forum, Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute, http://blhrri. org/blhrri_e/other/reporti. html.

19. George, S. (2019). The problematique of understanding mobility among Dalits. Change and Mobility in Contemporary India: Thinking MN Srinivas Today, 100.

20. Ghatak, P. (2011). Societal Status of Dalit Women in India. Women‟ s Link, 17.

21. Ghose, S. (2003). The dalit in India. Social Research: An International Quarterly, 70(1), 83-109.

22. Ghosh, G. K., & Ghosh, S. (1997). Dalit women. APH Publishing.

23. Gorringe, H. (2018). Afterword: Gendering caste: Honor, patriarchy and violence. South Asia Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, (19).

24. Govinda, R. (2006). The politics of the marginalised: Dalits and women's activism in India. Gender & Development, 14(2), 181-190.

25. Govinda, R. (2006). The politics of the marginalised: Dalits and women's activism in India. Gender & Development, 14(2), 181-190.

26. Grey, M. (2005). Dalit women and the struggle for justice in a world of global capitalism. Feminist Theology, 14(1), 127-149.

27. Grey, M. (2005). Dalit women and the struggle for justice in a world of global capitalism. Feminist Theology, 14(1), 127-149.

28. Gupta, S. (2005). Socio-economic base of political dynamics in Madhya Pradesh. Economic and Political Weekly, 5093-5100.

29. GURU, G. (2014). The Conceptual World of Dalit Women. Interrogating Women’s Leadership and Empowerment, 55.

30. Hans, V. (2013). Dalits in India: From marginalisation to inclusion. Dalits in India: From Marginalisation to Inclusion (September 10, 2013).

31. Hans, V. (2013). Dalits in India: From marginalisation to inclusion. Dalits in India: From Marginalisation to Inclusion (September 10, 2013).

32. Haokip, S., &Umarani, N. (2018). Socio-political empowerment of dalits through Panchayati Raj: Experience from India. International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research and Management, 3(2), 63-70.

33. Hayes, M. (2002). Cultural Studies at the Crossroads. In Cultural Studies (pp. 17-30). Brill.

34. Holland, D., &Lachicotte, W. (2007). Vygotsky, Mead, and the new sociocultural studies of identity. The cambridge companion to vygotsky, 101-135.

https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2201514.pdf

35. Jaoul, N., & Shah, A. (2016). Beyond citizenship: Adivasi and Dalit political pathways in India. Focaal, 2016(76), 3-14.

36. Jayanta Mete, D. T. A Journey of Oppressed Dalit Women in Indian Society.

37. Jena, D. K. Status of Dalit Women: A Human Rights Perspective. Journal homepage: www. ijrpr. com ISSN, 2582, 7421.

38. Jose, J. P. (2016). Identity and social exclusion of Dalit women: A psychosocial perspective. Contemporary Voice of Dalit, 8(2), 136-152.

39. Kambar, C. R., & Gulati, V. (2021). Crises of Dalit Women in India. Indian J Multiling Res Dev, 2(3), 13-23.

40. Kannabiran, K. (2006). A cartography of resistance: The national federation of dalit women. The Situated Politics of Belonging, London: Sage, 54-74.

41. Kapoor, D. (2008). Caste, Dalits and education in contemporary India. In Education and Social Development (pp. 87-104). Brill.

42. Kaushik, A., &Kumari, R. Human Rights Status of Women: A Case Study of Dalit Women of Bihar (India). JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL POLITICALPOLITICAL STUDIES, 93.

43. Kaushik, A., &Kumari, R. Poverty Among Women: A Case Study of Dalit Women of Bihar (India). POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN INDIA ISSUES & CHALLENGES, 93.

44. Khandare, L. P. (2017). Domestic violence and empowerment: A national study of scheduled caste women in India. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

45. Kumar, A. (2020). Position of dalit women in rural India. Available at SSRN 3609808.

46. Kumar, A. (2021). Sexual violence against Dalit women: An analytical study of intersectionality of gender, caste, and class in India. Journal of International Women's Studies, 22(10), 123-134.

47. Kumar, S. (2014). Violence against Dalit Woman and Constitutional Protection: An analysis. Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2(1), 151.

48. Kumar, V. (2005). Situating dalits in Indian sociology. Sociological bulletin, 54(3), 514-532.

49. Kumar, V. (2009). Locating Dalit women in the Indian caste system, media and women's movement. Social Change, 39(1), 64-84.

50. Kumar, V., & Mishra, B. (2022). Environmental casteism and the democratisation of natural resources: Reimagining Dalit testimonies. South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies, 45(3), 577-595.

51. Landage, R. (2014). Cultural study of Dalit autobiographies in India (Doctoral dissertation, Tilak Maharashtra VIdyapeeth).

52. Luintel, S. (2003). The position of Dalit women in caste system.

53. Mahey, S. (2003). The status of Dalit women in India’s caste based system. In culture and the state: Alternative interventions, critical works from the proceedings of the 2003 conference at the University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.

54. Majid, A. (2020). Future of untouchables in India: A case study of Dalit. South Asian Studies, 27(1).

55. Malik, B. (1999). Untouchability and Dalit women's oppression.

56. Malik, B. (1999). Untouchability and Dalit women's oppression.

Malik, B. B. (2011). Political Participation of Dalit Women in Pri‐S: Challenges and Response. Voice of Dalit, 4(2), 203-214.

57. Malik, B. B., &Shrivastava, J. (2011). Understanding the Participation of Dalit Women Elected Representatives in Panchayats: A Study of Ghazipur and MAU Districts of Uttar Pradesh. Journal of Rural Development, 451-459.

58. Mandal, A. (2022). Exploring the Barbaric Practice of Targeted Witch Hunt of Dalit Women: Is India in Dire Need of Special Laws?. Jus Corpus LJ, 3, 270.

59. Mandal, B. C. (2004). ATROCITIES ON THE DALIT WOMEN IN INDIA. RabindraBharati Journal of Political Science, 6, 82.

60. Mandal, B. C. (2010). Caste discrimination, deprivation and the socio-economic development of Dalits. Voice of Dalit, 3(2), 149-166.

61. Mangat, S. (2022). Sexual Violence Against Dalit Women in India: Navigating Discourses of Honour, Shame and Marriage (Doctoral dissertation, University of Roehampton).

62. Mangubhai, J. P., &Capraro, C. (2015). ‘Leave no one behind’and the challenge of intersectionality: Christian Aid's experience of working with single and Dalit women in India. Gender & Development, 23(2), 261-277.

63. Meera, V. (1979). Prisoners of inequality sexual abuse of Dalit women. Race & Class, 20(4), 417-421.

64. Menon, S., & Contractor, Q. (2017). Dalits and health. Retrieved October.

65. MESSAFEUR, F. Z. Depicting the Plight of Dalit Women: Caste, Gender and Social Violence.

66. Minchekar, V. (2019). Social dominance orientation and sexual violence against Dalit women in India. Think India Journal, 22(38), 5-12.

67. Muley, A. A. (2022). Dalit women’s autobiographies: A protest of Dalit woman against cast, class and gender discrimination. Research Journal of English (RJOE), 7(1), 4-6.

68. Nadkarni, M. V. (2005). Perspectives on Dalit Problems and Solutions. Journal of Social and Economic Development, 7(1), 91.

69. Nambissan, G. B. (1996). Equity in education? Schooling of Dalit children in India. Economic and political weekly, 1011-1024.

70. Neelakandan, S. M., &Patil, S. M. (2012). Complexities of inclusion and exclusion: Dalit students and higher education in India. Journal of Social Inclusion, 3(1), 86-100.

71. O’Callaghan, M. A., Carroll, D., O’Callaghan, M. A., & Carroll, D. (1982). Sociopolitical aspects. Psychosurgery: A Scientific Analysis, 255-275.

72. Oza, P. (2012). Dalit Women in Modern India: Beyond the Standpoint Theory and Above the Women’s Study Narratives. Vidyawarta-International Multilingual Research Journal, 4(2).

72. Pai, S. (2004). Dalit question and political response: Comparative study of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Economic and Political Weekly, 1141-1150.

73. Pai, S. (2015). Dalit Entrepreneurs, Globalisation and the Supplier Diversity Experiment in Madhya Pradesh. Dalits in Neoliberal India: Mobility or Marginalisation?, 44.

74. Paik, S. (2014). Dalit women's education in modern India: double discrimination. Routledge.

75. Paik, S. (2018). The rise of new Dalit women in Indian historiography. History Compass, 16(10), e12491.

76. Paik, S. (2021). Dalit feminist thought. In Routledge Handbook of Gender in South Asia (pp. 55-69). Abingdon: Routledge.

77. Pankaj, A. K. (2023). Entitlement, Deprivation, and Basic Services: Everyday Experience of Dalit Migrants with the State. In Dalit Migrants: Assertion, Emancipation, and Social Change (pp. 105-131). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

78. Pankaj, A. K., & Pandey, A. K. (2018). Defining Dalits. Dalits, Subalternity and Social Change in India.

79. Paramasivan, C., &Selvam, P. M. (2013). Status of Dalit Entrepreneurs in India. Asia Pacific Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 2(2), 238.

80. Patel, A. B., & Kumar, S. (2021). Dalit suicide an emerging social problem in India. Suicide, 1-12.

81. Pramod, M. (2020). As a Dalit woman. CASTE: A Global Journal on Social Exclusion, 1(1), 111-124.

82. Prasad, B. D., &Haranath, S. (2004). Participation of women and dalits in gram panchayat. JOURNAL OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT-HYDERABAD-, 23, 297-318.

83. Prasad, I. (2022). Towards Dalit Ecologies. Environment and Society, 13(1), 98-120.

84. Raghuram, S., & Broman, H. (2019). Inequalities, Caste and Social Exclusion-Dalit Women’s Citizenship in India. Available at SSRN 4137297.

85. Rai, B. (2016). Dalit women in India: An overview of their status. EPRA International Journal of economic and business Review, 4(1), 139-147.

86. Raj, R. (2013). Dalit women as political agents: A Kerala experience. Economic and Political Weekly, 56-63.

87. Rajeshwari, R., & Nadu, A. U. Indian Dalit Women Right-A historical Perspective. Jointly edited by, 103.

88. Ram, R. (2016). Sacralising Dalit Peripheries. Economic & Political Weekly, 51(1), 33.

89. Rao, G. S., & Rao, G. S. S. An Empirical Study on Socio-economic Stutus of Dalit Women. SOCIAL MODERNITY, 115.

90. Rao, N. (2015). Marriage, violence, and choice: Understanding Dalit women’s agency in rural Tamil Nadu. Gender & Society, 29(3), 410-433.

91. Rao, Y. S. (2023). Dalits, Water And Discrimination. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17(1).

92. Rege, S. (1998). Dalit women talk differently: A critique of'difference'and towards a Dalit feminist standpoint position. Economic and Political Weekly, WS39-WS46.

93. Rege, S. (2000). 'Real Feminism'and Dalit Women: Scripts of Denial and Accusation. Economic and Political Weekly, 492-495.

94. Rowshan, R., Khan, R. U., &Uddyog, N. (2016). Bringing Dalit women to the forefront: realities and challenges. NagorikUddyog& Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement.

95. Sabharwal, N. S. (2010). Dalit women and political space: status and issues related to their participation. In RINDAS International Symposium, Series (Vol. 1).

96. Sabharwal, N. S. Dalit Women’s Rights: Caste, Gender and Citizenship in India.

97. Sabharwal, N. S., &Sonalkar, W. (2015). Dalit women in India: At the crossroads of gender, class, and caste. Global Justice: Theory Practice Rhetoric, 8(1).

98. Sagar, S., & Bhargava, V. (2017). Dalit women in India: Crafting narratives of success. Resistance in everyday life: Constructing cultural experiences, 19-33.

99. Sardar, R., &Ambedkar, B. (2012). A Study on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of Dalits in India. Asia Pacific Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 1(1), 188.

100. Schauman, J. (2012). From Slavery to Dignity: How critical thinking and empowerment among Dalit women working with manual scavenging is implemented.

Schools and Dalits

1. Scott, A. B., Reed, R. G., Garcia-Willingham, N. E., Lawrence, K. A., &Segerstrom, S. C. (2019). Lifespan socioeconomic context: associations with cognitive functioning in later life. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 74(1), 113-125.

2. Scott, S., &Palincsar, A. (2013). Sociocultural theory.

3. Senapati, S. Analyzing the Atrocities on the Marginalized Dalit Women: A Study of Caste-Gender Interplay in Dalit Women’s Autobiographies.

4. Sharma, B. (2022). Dalit Women: Narratives of Vulnerability, Violence, and a Culture of Impunity. Journal of International Women's Studies, 23(6), 7.

5. Sharma, B., &Geetha, K. A. (2021). Casteing gender: Intersectional oppression of Dalit women. Journal of International Women's Studies, 22(10), 0-7.

6. Sharma, M. (2012). Dalits and Indian environmental politics. Economic and Political Weekly, 46-52.

7. Sharma, M. (2017). Caste and nature: Dalits and Indian environmental policies. Oxford University Press.

8. Shri, M., &Singhal, D. (2015). Scheduled Castes/Schedules Tribes and Dalits. Journals/Periodicals/Newsletters Articles, 64, 189.

9. Shrivastava, M. (2012). Different Forms of Social Stratification in the Indian Society. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(1), 30-37.

10. Sikka, S. (2012). Untouchable cultures: memory, power and the construction of Dalit selfhood. Identities, 19(1), 43-60.

11. Singh, J., &Vashistha, G. (2018). A critical insight on status of dalit women in India. IJRAR-International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 5(3), 337-342.

 12.Singh, J., &Vashistha, G. (2018). A critical insight on status of dalit women in India. IJRAR-International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 5(3), 337-342.

13. Singh, M. D. (2021). Analysing the Realities of the Dalit Women Populace. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 9573-9590.

14. Singh, P., &Pattanaik, F. (2020). Unequal reward for equal work? Understanding women’s work and wage discrimination in India through the meniscus of social hierarchy. Contemporary Voice of Dalit, 12(1), 19-36.

15. SINGH, R. Purity and Pollution: The Dalit Woman Within India’s Religious Colonialism. Faculty Advisor Syed Akbar Hyder, Department of Asian Studies, 79.

16. SJ, A. I., Mangubhai, J. P., & Lee, J. G. (2012). Dalit women speak out: Caste, class and gender violence in India. Zubaan.

17. Soumya, L. R. ANALYSING THE SOCIAL CHANGE AND PATTERN OF MOBILITY OF DALIT WOMEN IN THE 19th CENTURY–AN OVERVIEW. VIABLE INDUSTRIAL POLICY FOR THE STATE, 63.

18. Subedi, N. P. (2021). Occupational Change and Socioeconomic Status among Dalit Communities in Kaski District. Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 10(01), 95-106.

19. Sujatha, D. (2014). Redefining domestic violence: Experiences of Dalit women. Economic and Political Weekly, 19-22.

20. Sujatha, D. (2014). Redefining domestic violence: Experiences of Dalit women. Economic and Political Weekly, 19-22.

21. Sujatha, M., Rajashekar, C., &Jinaralkar, B. L. VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AMONG INDIAN DALIT WOMEN: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE. NEW HORIZONS OF DALIT CULTURE AND LITERATURE, 147.

22. Sunani, B. CULTURAL HISTORY OF DALIT & THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURAL RESOURCES. Lokaratna, 5.

23. Svensson, A. C. (2012). Stories from the grassroots: Garima activists about their fight for freedom and dignity as Dalit women in Indian Madhya Pradesh.

24. Talat. From Submission to Resistance: The Transformation of Dalit Women Bodies. Contemporary Voice of Dalit, 2455328X231198663.

25. Tamgadge, S. (2020). Gender: Status of Dalit Women in Indian Society. Research Journal of India, 7(5), 2019-2020.

26. Tayyab, M. A. (2015). Positions of Dalits in Indian Social System. International Journal of Pure and Applied Researches (IJOPAAR), 2015Vol, 1(1), 127-146.

27. Teltumde, A. (2017). Dalits, dalit women, and the Indian State. Dalit women: Vanguard of an alternative politics in India, 53-74.

28. Thirupathi, L. From Reservation to Participation: Issues and Challenges of Dalit Representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions.

29. Thirupathi, L. Multiple Social and Gender Discrimination towards Downtrodden Dalit Women Representatives in Local Governing Institutions of India: Issues and Challenges to Recommendations for Effective Implementation of 73 rd Constitutional Amendment Act and Policy Initiatives.

30. Tirmare, P. (2008). Violation of human rights of dalit women, issues, factors and concerns. Rights of Hindu and Muslim Women, 169.

31. Valarmathi, T., Jaiswal, S., &Jaiswal, A. (2017). An Anthropological Analysis about the Condition of Dalit Women in India. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Social Sciences, 2(2).

32. Verma, N. M. P. (2000). Educational Deprivation of Women and Dalits in South Asia. Indian Journal of Human Rights, 4(1).

33. Vyshali, U. (2021). Political Empowerment of Dalit Women: Issues and Challenges. RESEARCH JOURNEY, 97.

34. Watts, R. J., Williams, N. C., &Jagers, R. J. (2003). Sociopolitical development. American journal of community psychology, 31(1-2), 185-194.

35. Wertsch, J. V. (1995). The need for action in sociocultural research. Sociocultural studies of mind, 56-74.

36. Winkler, C., Matadamas, E., & Sharma, R. ‘De-Casteing’ India: How Dalit Women’s Rights Civil Society Organizations Tackle Caste Based Socio-Political &Religio-Cultural Challenges.

37. Yadav, V. P., & Srivastava, B. B. (2010). Problems and Prospects of Dalits. The Asian Man-An International Journal, 4(1), 63-68.