3. The pattern of abuse

The complete alienation of Dalits from resources like land, water, and agricultural implements has led to the collective demand for an equal share in productivity. This book discusses the range of socio-economic and cultural problems faced by the Dalit community. The movement advancing the rights of Dalits took place both before and after independence, however they varied in intensity, and concerned land ownership and fair wages, self-respect, social dignity, and the demand for equal rights. This movement appeared to have significantly changed the very mindset and attitude of upper caste people to restrain themselves and not to resort to any discrimination or humiliation of Dalits. However, this seems to have been only a temporary phenomenon, and the practice of suppression and humiliation continues today. This book explores the circumstances of Dalits in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and the current efforts attempting to achieve more social equality for the caste here.

Focusing on developments in the Madras presidency between the Rebellion of 1857-58 and independence 90 years later, this book studies the creation of a British constabulary in India as a powerful coercive tool of British colonialism. The author targets the use of police force against dacoits, nationalists, adivasi hillmen, and urban proletariats, and reveals, through the organization and social composition of the constabulary, how internally as well as externally, the police force mirrored the underlying character of the colonial system as a whole.

With evidence from the oral histories of various sections and a wide variety of written sources and historical documents, this book captures an intense moment in the history of the state of Hyderabad and the production its own tools of cultural renaissance and modernity.