Week 10- Parnika Jain



Music- a political symbol?
Music is used as a symbol by the Dalits. It symbolizes resistance. It was and is a political tool as it portrays the sufferings of the Dalits then and how they are trying to free themselves from the hegemony of caste. (Resistance and identity through music- National Herald). Shantanu Kamble claims that music in the hands of the oppressed is a tool to garner the attention of the mass towards an equal society. It is a tool used for revolution. But they face backlash. Dalit music is currently entering the main stream modes of entertainment in India. From Dalit pop to Bhim Rap. Dalit music has entered genres like rap, metal and rock. Ginni Mahi is one of the most popular Dalit pop singer from Punjab. Willuwandi is a Kerala based rock metal band. Willuwandi means bullock cart. This is a reference to Mahatma Ayyankali from Kerala, who drove a bullock cart on the public road in 1893, a time when Dalits weren’t allowed to be seen publicly. Dalit music in Punjab has also taken a political discourse. Every year on Ravidas Jayanti almost 200 CDs are released by Dalit musicians from Punjab. Roop Lal Dheer claims that the members of various political parties approach them during the time of election as they attract Lakhs of people. Thus it is safe to say that these singers have started to appease more number of singers.

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