Caste and Rajasthan-based Hindi cinema: depicting Dalit realities in the cinematic world

Bunkar, N, 2025. Caste and Rajasthan-based Hindi cinema: depicting Dalit realities in the cinematic world. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This thesis contributes to the ongoing discourse on the representation of Dalit subjectivity in Indian cinema. It critically examines the portrayal of Dalits in Rajasthan-based Hindi films, focusing on how caste is depicted through a Savarna sociopsychological lens that marginalizes Dalit experiences. By employing Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s pragmatic understanding of caste as the central theoretical framework, this research aims to address a significant gap in Indian film studies, where Ambedkar’s contributions have been largely ignored or erased in favour of a Gandhian reformist gaze.

Through a close textual analysis of selected Hindi films set in Rajasthan, this study explores the visual, auditory, and narrative strategies used to depict caste hierarchies. It situates these cinematic texts within broader socio-political and cultural contexts through critical discourse analysis, ensuring a comprehensive examination of how films reflect and reinforce societal ideologies. In doing so, the research challenges the dominant ‘Brahmanical gaze’ and applies the concept of the ‘Ambedkarite gaze,’ a counter-narrative that seeks to center Dalit agency, dignity, and humanity in cinematic representations. Drawing from anti-caste scholarship and integrating Western theories alongside Ambedkar’s writings, this thesis critiques the (mis)representation, wrongful inclusion, and appropriation of Dalit identities in mainstream cinema. The research reveals that Dalits are often portrayed through the lens of victimisation or as secondary characters in feudal-family narratives, reinforcing caste hierarchies rather than addressing caste as a critical social issue.

This study introduces the concept of ‘Ambedkarite spectatorship,’ inspired by Black spectatorship theories from scholars like bell hooks and Manthia Diawara, to articulate an v oppositional viewing experience for Dalit spectators. It critically engages with intersectional portrayals of Dalit women, emphasizing the need for more nuanced narratives in Hindi cinema.

In conclusion, this thesis pioneers a critical Ambedkarite approach to film analysis, offering a framework to (de)construct the Brahmanical gaze and examine the ideological influence of filmmakers’ caste locations on their cinematic representations. It advances Indian cinema studies by proposing a new methodology that recognizes the importance of accurately and dynamically representing Dalit identities and realities on screen, providing a foundation for future research into caste and/in cinema.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Bunkar, N.
Contributors:	Name Role NTU ID ORCID Thiara, N. Thesis supervisor ECM3THIARN https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6006-4730 Yousaf, N. Thesis supervisor EMS3YOUSAN https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2806-8624 Çakirlar, C. Thesis supervisor ECM3CAKIRC https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1171-8635
Date:	January 2025
Rights:	The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Arts and Humanities
Record created by:	Jeremy Silvester
Date Added:	03 Sep 2025 08:48
Last Modified:	03 Sep 2025 08:48
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54282

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