week 9- Aishwarya Ramkumar

DALIT FOOD

As they brand the Dalits impure meat-eaters, Brahmins use their vegetarianism as yet another way to deem the former polluted and discriminate against them. While it is true that the Dalits do consume more beef and pork, this is because these are not preferred by other castes, making it easier for them to access this. Therefore, it is due to the circumstance that they have been subject to because of which they made their food choices, and ironically those who have compelled them to make these choices are the ones using this to oppress them.
Dalits have a rich food culture, though it is rather obscure does not find mention in mainstream food. Many recent articles and news pieces have brought to light various Dalit delicacies such as the ant chutney, amongst other things. While these are now gaining traction and being called exotic, it must be understood that these recipes are results of a lack of resources and poverty. Dalits resorted to making these food items as they had to make to with the resources available to them in situations of poverty and oppression. 

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