CONTENTS Foreword ix Preface xiii I Background 1 Recognition of Untouchables' Sacrifice at Last 1 2 The Mode of Existence of the Chamar in Traditional Rajputana Society 19 II Politics 3 Social Mobilization and Political Development 63 4 Political Parties and the Chamar/Meghwal Leadership: Perspective/Policy/Strategy 86 5 Rashtriya Meghwal Mahasangh: A Caste Model of Socio-Political Organization, 1997 111 6 Harijan Mukti Andolan: Rajasthan Anusuchit Jati Sewa Sangh and Reform Movement 127 7 Acharya Guru Prasad K.P.: A Study in Leadership 135 III Movement 8 Rise and Awakening of Meghwal and Sootrakar Communities in Western Rajasthan 151 9 Swami Gokuldas Maharaj and the Constrained Meghvanshi Movement 169 10 Meghwals, Sootrakars and Chamars Movement in Ajmer-Jaipur 205 11Some Aspects of the Meghwals Caste Movement in South Rajasthan from Pre-Independence to Post-Independence 227 12 The Organizations of Meghwals and Chamars in Bikaner 271 13 Balai Uplift Movement in Delhi and Gujarat 288 IV Religion 14 Dharmgurus'Contribution Towards Reform Movement of Chamars 303 V Caste Paper 15 The Meghwals'Mouthpiece 343 Index 353