Junior Rasmussen
Dalit, a term used for the untouchables and outcasts who are at the lowest stratum of the caste system in the Indian subcontinent, have historically faced discrimination and violence, including during wedding ceremonies. In recent years, there have been efforts to challenge these casteist traditions and portray Dalit weddings in a more positive and authentic light, such as in the Amazon Prime show 'Made in Heaven'. The show depicts a Dalit Buddhist wedding and explores the complexities of inter-caste marriage, sparking discussions about casteism and the erasure of the Dalit past. While the show has received praise for its representation of Dalit weddings, it has also faced criticism for failing to credit its sources and not casting a Dalit actor for the Dalit bride role.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dalit wedding traditions | Ambedkarite-Buddhist wedding |
| Dalit brides and grooms riding horses | Common in some districts of Rajasthan |
| Uncommon in some villages of India | |
| Uncommon in Sri Ganganagar–Hanumangarh area | |
| Dalit weddings on screen | Shown in Made in Heaven Season 2 |
| Shown in Masaan (2015) | |
| Shown in Geeli Puchi (2021) |
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What You'll Learn
Dalit weddings in popular culture
Dalit weddings, though not often depicted in mainstream media, have been gaining visibility in popular culture, especially in Indian cinema and literature. Here are some notable representations:
Movies and Television:
The 2018 Tamil film "Pariyerum Perumal" directed by Mari Selvaraj, while not solely focused on a Dalit wedding, includes a powerful scene depicting one. The film portrays the challenges and discrimination faced by Dalit communities in rural India and includes a wedding scene that showcases the unique traditions and rituals specific to Dalit culture.
Another notable mention is the 2019 Malayalam film "Thottappan" directed by Shanavas K Bavakutty. The film features a Dalit Christian wedding, showcasing the fusion of Dalit and Christian wedding traditions. This representation is significant as it highlights the diversity within Dalit communities and their adaptation of wedding rituals from other religions.
In 2020, the Indian web series "Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side" aired on Voot. One of the episodes features a Dalit wedding, showcasing the vibrant and colorful aspects of the ceremony, including the exchange of garlands and the application of turmeric on the bride and groom's bodies.
Literature:
Dalit weddings have also found expression in literature, offering a more intimate and detailed portrayal of the customs and their societal context. The 2010 novel "The Widows of Malabar Hill" by Sujata Massey features a Dalit wedding in the context of 1920s Bombay. The novel provides a glimpse into the lives of Dalit women and the unique challenges they face within the caste system, with the wedding scene serving as a moment of celebration and cultural pride.
Music and Dance:
While not specifically depicting weddings, certain art forms have emerged from Dalit communities, reflecting their cultural expressions and experiences. One notable example is the "Daveli" dance tradition of Maharashtra, India. Daveli is a folk art form that involves satirical songs and performances, often used to critique social issues, including caste discrimination. This art form has become a means for Dalit artists to express their experiences and assert their cultural identity.
In conclusion, while the representation of Dalit weddings in popular culture is still evolving, these examples demonstrate a growing awareness and celebration of Dalit culture. Through cinema, literature, and art forms like Daveli, the unique traditions, challenges, and resilience of Dalit communities are being shared with a wider audience, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of their place in society.
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Casteism in weddings
Traditionally, upper-caste families prefer their children to marry within their caste, and arranged marriages facilitate this preference. Families often use the pretext of "selecting a school for your child" to justify considering caste as a primary factor in choosing a spouse. This mindset contributes to caste-based segregation and reinforces the notion of caste compatibility in marriage.
The entertainment industry, particularly in films and web series like *Made In Heaven*, has played a role in challenging casteist traditions surrounding weddings. By showcasing Dalit weddings and intercaste marriages, these productions contribute to increased representation and a re-examination of assumptions about casteless societies. For instance, the episode depicts a Dalit woman asserting her identity and choosing a Dalit Buddhist wedding, challenging upper-caste norms and rituals.
In Rajasthan, caste discrimination has been observed in wedding processions, where Dalit grooms were not allowed to ride horses during their pre-wedding bindori, a tradition unique to upper-caste grooms. However, some districts in Rajasthan, such as Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, and Anupgarh, are challenging these traditions by allowing both Dalit grooms and brides to ride horses during their weddings.
To combat casteism in weddings, alternative marriage practices have emerged, such as self-respect marriages in Tamil Nadu. These ceremonies disregard Brahminical rituals, caste endogamy, religious restrictions, and gender norms, offering a feminist and anti-caste approach to marriage. However, self-respect marriages currently face legal recognition challenges, as they are only legally valid in Tamil Nadu and solely for marriages between two Hindus.
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Inter-caste marriages
In Indian society, marriages between individuals from different castes, known as inter-caste marriages, have historically been uncommon and often faced social and cultural barriers. However, with changing social norms and increasing urbanization, inter-caste marriages, including those involving Dalits (formerly known as "Untouchables"), are becoming more prevalent and socially accepted.
Dalits, who are outside of the traditional Hindu caste system and have often faced discrimination and marginalization, may find themselves in unique circumstances when it comes to wedding traditions and rituals. In the past, Dalit weddings were often simpler and less elaborate than those of higher castes, partly due to economic disparities and social exclusion. However, today, many Dalits are embracing their cultural heritage and choosing to incorporate traditional elements into their wedding ceremonies, just as other caste groups do.
To navigate the potential challenges of an inter-caste marriage, open communication between the couple and their families is crucial. Discussing and respecting each other's traditions and values can help create a harmonious celebration that honors both backgrounds. It is also important to be mindful of the potential for discrimination or resistance from more traditional members of either community. Seeking support from progressive family members and friends, as well as inter-caste marriage support groups, can help couples and their families work through these challenges.
Ultimately, inter-caste marriages, including those involving Dalits, offer a chance to celebrate the diversity of Indian culture and promote social equality. By embracing and blending traditions, these weddings can become a powerful statement of unity and a step towards a more inclusive society. With sensitivity, open dialogue, and a willingness to embrace different customs, couples can create meaningful and respectful ceremonies that honor their unique backgrounds.
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Dalit Buddhist weddings
Dalit weddings have been a topic of discussion in popular culture, with the Indian web series Made in Heaven featuring a Dalit wedding in one of its episodes. The episode revolves around an educated and accomplished Dalit woman facing caste discrimination and her desire to have a Dalit Buddhist wedding. This has sparked conversations about the portrayal of Dalit characters in mainstream entertainment and the exploration of inter-caste marriages.
In India, the concept of a Dalit Buddhist wedding is influenced by the teachings of B. R. Ambedkar, who converted to Buddhism in 1956 along with lakhs of Dalit followers. Ambedkar advocated for the adoption of Buddhist principles and laid the foundation for the customs and rituals associated with Buddhist marriages.
Flexibility is a key aspect of Dalit Buddhist weddings, and there is no fixed structure or sequence of rituals. The core elements that remain consistent are the reverence for Buddha, Ambedkar, and the Panchashila. Before the wedding, there may be a baraat, or a groom's wedding procession, that involves music and dance. However, traditional Hindu concepts such as muhurat (auspicious timing) and kundali (horoscope matching) are typically not considered in Buddhist weddings.
In some regions of India, such as Rajasthan, Dalit communities have faced discrimination during wedding processions. Historically, Dalit grooms were not allowed to ride horses during their weddings, but this tradition is being challenged in certain districts. Similarly, the trend of Dalit brides riding horses during their weddings is gaining acceptance, empowering them to assert their pride and break free from social taboos.
The representation of Dalit Buddhist weddings in popular culture and the sharing of personal experiences by individuals from the Dalit community contribute to a broader conversation about caste discrimination and the celebration of diverse marriage traditions in India.
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Dalit wedding processions
In India, Dalit wedding processions have traditionally been discriminated against, with Dalit brides and grooms not being allowed to ride horses during pre-wedding processions. This is because horses were historically owned by upper-caste landlords and thakurs, and were considered a status symbol. Dalits, who worked for upper-caste families, were not allowed to ride horses during their wedding processions.
However, in recent years, some districts in the state of Rajasthan, such as Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, and Anupgarh, have started allowing Dalit grooms and brides to ride horses during their wedding processions. This change is due to the shared history and geography of these districts, which are adjacent to Punjab. In these districts, Dalit wedding processions, or "bindoris", have become commonplace, with families celebrating with as much enthusiasm as they would for their sons.
Despite this progress, incidents of Dalit wedding processions being blocked or attacked have still been reported in other parts of India, such as in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district and villages in Bundelkhand. In these cases, crowds from dominant castes in the village have objected to the procession and the groom riding a horse, resulting in violence and the police having to intervene.
The inclusion of Dalit brides and grooms riding horses in their wedding processions is a significant step towards reducing caste discrimination and allowing Dalit communities to celebrate their weddings with the same enthusiasm and pride as upper-caste families.
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Frequently asked questions
A Dalit wedding is a wedding where at least one person getting married is Dalit, meaning they are part of the lowest stratum of the caste system in the Indian subcontinent.
Dalit weddings are significant because they challenge caste-based discrimination and prejudice. For example, in some Indian villages, Dalit grooms riding horses in wedding ceremonies have been beaten and ostracized by upper-caste people.
The fifth episode of the second season of the Amazon Prime show Made in Heaven depicts a Dalit Buddhist wedding.
The episode received praise for its authenticity and simplicity, but also criticism for not crediting Yashica Dutt, whose life is reflected in the episode.
The term Dalit, meaning "broken" or "scattered", was popularized by B. R. Ambedkar, himself a Dalit, in the 1970s. It covers people excluded from the fourfold varna system of Hinduism.
