Debrahmanising History: Dominance And Resistance In Indian Society (Extensively Revised Edition)

DETAILS : 

• Author : Braj Ranjan Mani 
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Manohar Publishers and Distributors
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 December 2005
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 456 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9350980770
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9350980774
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 550 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Debrahmanising History is a path-breaking work of historical revisionism that challenges the traditional "Brahmanical" narrative of Indian civilization. Braj Ranjan Mani provides a panoramic view of Indian history from the perspective of the marginalized—the Shudras, Ati-Shudras, and Adivasis—who have been systematically excluded from the mainstream cultural and political discourse.

The book is an intellectual excavation of the "counter-tradition" of Indian thought. Mani argues that Indian history is not a monolithic evolution of Vedic culture, but a long-standing struggle between the forces of hierarchy (Dominance) and the forces of equality (Resistance). He meticulously traces this resistance through various movements and figures, including:

• Ancient Heterodoxy: The radical egalitarianism of the Buddha and the Charvaka school.
• The Bhakti Movement: The defiant voices of radical saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Chokhamela who bypassed priestly intermediaries.
• Modern Revolutionaries: A deep dive into the ideologies of Jyotirao Phule, B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar, who sought to deconstruct the caste system and rebuild Indian society on the principles of social justice.

This revised edition is expanded to include more contemporary analysis, positioning "Debrahmanisation" not just as an academic exercise, but as a necessary cultural revolution for a truly democratic India.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Braj Ranjan Mani is an independent scholar and a leading voice in the field of Dalit-Bahujan studies. His work is characterized by a fierce independence from institutional biases and a commitment to "history from below." Mani is known for his ability to synthesize vast amounts of historical, sociological, and philosophical data to create a coherent narrative for social transformation.

Beyond Debrahmanising History, he has authored other significant works such as Knowledge and Power: A Discourse for Transformation. His writing is deeply influenced by the Enlightenment values of reason and humanism, which he applies to the specific context of the Indian caste reality. Mani remains an influential figure for activists, students, and thinkers who are interested in the intersection of identity, power, and historical truth.