Ants Among Elephants

Sujatha gidla

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Winner of the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize, 2018Sujatha Gidla was born an untouchable. Her family, belonging to the Mala caste, was educated in Warangal and Madras by Canadian missionaries in the 1930s, making it possible for Gidla to attend elite schools and move to America at the age of twenty-six. It was only then that she saw how extraordinary - and yet how typical - her family history truly was. Determined to uncover that history, and understand the social and political forces that made it possible, she traveled back to India to record the testimonies of her mother, her uncles, and their friends. In Ants Among Elephants, she tells their story. A moving portrait of love, hardship, and struggle, Ants Among Elephants is also that rare thing: a personal history of modern India told from the bottom up.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Caste System: The book provides a vivid portrayal of the caste system in India, particularly focusing on the experiences of Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables").

  2. Family History: Gidla shares her family's history, spanning multiple generations, and explores how caste dynamics shaped their lives and opportunities.

  3. Social Injustice: The book delves into the social injustices faced by Dalits, including discrimination, oppression, and limited access to education and employment opportunities.

  4. Resistance and Activism: Despite facing systemic barriers, the book highlights instances of resistance, activism, and efforts to challenge caste-based discrimination and inequality.

  5. Personal Narratives: Through personal narratives and stories of individuals within her family and community, Gidla humanizes the impact of caste-based discrimination on people's lives.

  6. Education as Empowerment: The role of education as a tool for empowerment and social mobility is a recurring theme, showcasing how education can challenge traditional caste hierarchies.

  7. Political Landscape: The book also touches upon the political landscape in India, including the rise of Dalit activism and movements for social justice.

  8. Intersectionality: Gidla explores intersectional identities, including gender and caste, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Dalit women in Indian society.

  9. Historical Context: "Ants Among Elephants" provides historical context, tracing the evolution of the caste system and its enduring impact on modern India.

  10. Empathy and Understanding: Ultimately, the book encourages empathy, understanding, and awareness of caste-based discrimination and its implications for individuals and communities.

Language English
ISBN-10 9353025036
ISBN-13 9789353025038
No of pages 316
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Harper Collins
Published Date 10 Dec 2018

About Author

Author : Sujatha gidla

1 Books

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