Challenging Hegemonic Cultural Tradition of Ghurchari in Haryana

CHALLENGING HEGEMONIC CULTURAL TRADITION OF GHURCHARI IN HARYANA

Bhup Singh, Associate Prof, Sociology, D.G.C., Gurugram

Kathoupinishad describe the meaning of chariot and in marriage bridegroom riding female horse. The use of female horse not only suggests patriarchal intention to domesticate the wife but also control the women. On the commencement of the Indian constitution they become equal Indian, equal citizen in all aspects of life. They become aware of self respects, dignity and their nights enshrined in the Indian constitution. The upper castes or greater Indians still treat them as lesser Indians and expect them to stay at bottom of the society. Recent caste conflicts on marriage ritual of ghurchari i.e. Dalit groom and family member seriously injured during ghurchari (Jatu Luhari 2002) upper caste men prevented dalit groom from riding elephant, (2011), killed in (2013) (Devsar) upper caste men beat dalit groom and stopped him to perform ghurchari (2013, Ratera) upper caste youth barred dalit groom from carrying out ritual of Ghurchari (Sanjarwas, Ch. Dadri), violence broken out in village Sangha, Karnal after upper caste youth prevented dalit youth from performing ghurchari (2017) etc. clearly reflects social position of lesser Indian in India.

For present study, 5 atrocity cases i.e. Jatu Luhari, Ratera, Devsar, Sanjarwas, Sangha were selected and 100 respondents were selected on basis of their relationship with family and involvement in protest movement. Data was collected through interview schedule focusing on knowing social base of hegemonic power, protest ideology, role of police and social organization in these cases.

After data analysis we can say that mostly such atrocities are committed in Rajput dominated village not in Jat/Ahir/Brahmin dominated village. Role of other castes, influential people, police, administration is selectively biased toward lesser Indians.

Key words: Lesser Indian, Ghurchari, Hegemony, Protest Ideology

email: gaurbhupsingh@yahoo.com