BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, PILANI

K.K.BIRLA GOA CAMPUS - INSTRUCTION DIVISION

Course Handout (Part II)
Second Semester 2021 -22
Course No: HSS F369 Date: 14/01/2022
Course Title: Caste and Gender in India

In addition to part I (General Handout for all courses appended to the time table) this portion
gives further specific details regarding the course.

1. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES:

This course will introduce the students to the various theories related to the emergence of the
caste system, its changing configurations and the prevalence of caste based discrimination in
contemporary times. Through this course, students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the
interconnectedness of caste and gender structures and its significance in the Indian society. An
understanding of the nexus of gender and caste system will offer insights on the ways in which it
shapes and constructs a person’s identity and subjectivity. The course will also focus on the
voices of resistance to the multiple forms of caste and gender oppression
2. TEXT BOOK
Rao, Anupama. Ed. Gender and Caste New Delhi: Kali for women, 2003.Print
Chakravarthy, Uma Gendering Caste: Through a Feminist Lens. Calcutta: Stree, 2003.Print
3. REFERENCE BOOKS
Dumont, Louis. Homo Hierarchicus: The Caste System and its Implications. Delhi:
OUP, 1988
Dirks, Nicholas B. Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India. New Delhi:
Permanent Black, 2002.Print
Roy, Kumkum. The Power of Gender and Gender of power: Explorations in early Indian History
New Delhi: OUP, 2010. Print
Srinivas, M.N. Ed .Caste: its Twentieth century Avatar U.K.: Penguin, 2000 Print
Rege, Sharmila Writing Caste / Writing Gender Reading Dalit Women’s Testimonies. New
Delhi: Zubaan, 2006. Print.
4. COURSE PLAN:
Lec. Learning Objectives Topics to be covered
No
1 To give an overview of the course Concepts - Caste and gender

2-7 To discuss the various theories pertaining to the Caste théories - Material, religious
origin of caste system and social

7-8 To discuss the intersectionality of caste and Nexus of caste and gender structures
gender structures
9- To discuss the control of female sexuality within Gender construction within castes
10 the caste system
11- To study the patriarchal structures across different Graded Patriarchies – Brahminical
12 castes and Dalit patriarchy

13- To analyze the impact of caste and gender norms Theories on subjectivity & identity
16 in our subjectivity and identity Intersectional identities

17 To discuss the changing configurations in the Caste in the public and domestic
caste system spaces

18- To analyze the oppositional voices to caste Bhakti Movement

19 oppression in the precolonial period
20- To study the impact of colonialism on the caste Caste and colonial modernity
21 system
22- To analyze gender structures within caste societies Colonial impact on caste and gender
23 in the pre colonial and Colonial period
24 - To discuss the legal interventions to caste Dalit movement and affirmative
25 oppression action

26- To discuss literary and cultural expressions Dalit literary and cultural
28 against caste discrmination movements
29 To discuss the women’s movemts in India Savarna vs Dalit feminism

29- To analyze the critiques of gender oppression Oppositional narratives to

33 within the Hindu society Brahminical & Dalit patriarchy

34- To discuss the impact of caste identities in the Caste in the contemporary period
36 educational & corporate sectors
37- To analyze the interconnections between caste and Caste and politics
40 political system

5. Class Assignments:
The following items to be done as class assignments
Topic Marks
Analysis of a culturalliterary text (Group , written) _ 15
Analysis of cultural/literary text ( Group – oral presentation ) 15

6. Evaluation Scheme:

S.No. Evaluation Weightage Duration Date &Day Remarks

Component %

1 Written assignment 15% Mid - February Group

activity
2. Mid Sem. Exam 30% 1.5 Hours 10.03.2022 Open Book
9.00-10.30 A.M.
3. 15% 15-20 Last week of April Group
Oral presentation minutes activity

4 Comprehensive 40 % 2 Hours 14.05.2022 - FN Open book

Exam

8. Chamber Consultation Hours: To be announced in the class.

9. Notices: Notices concerning the course will be displayed on Google Classroom

K.A.Geetha