Books by Shailaja (University of Cincinnati Paik

Dalit Women's Education in Modern India is a social and cultural history that challenges the triumphant narrative of modern secular education to analyse the constellation of social, economic, political and historical circumstances that both opened and closed opportunities to many Dalits. By focusing on marginalised Dalit women in modern Maharashtra, who have rarely been at the centre of systematic historical enquiry, Shailaja Paik breathes life into their ideas, expectations, potentials, fears and frustrations. Addressing two major blind spots in the historiography of India and of the women¿s movement, she historicises Dalit women¿s experiences and constructs them as historical agents.

In post-independence India, a stated governmental ideal of 'Education For All' has been promoted. This book examines the extent to which this has been realised, examining in particular the ways in which formal institutions of education in India discriminate against a disadvantaged group - Dalit, or untouchable, women.