Nandanar's children the Paraiyans' tryst with destiny, Tamil Nadu 1850-1956 - Basu, Raj Sekhar (SAGE Publications, 2010)
Includes bibliographical references (pages 391-414) and index
Elusive freedom: the Paraiyans and agrarian servitude in nineteenth century Tamil Nadu -- The missionary involvement with the "Pariah" issue in South India -- Search for fresh pastures: overseas and internal migration patterns of the Tamil Paraiyans in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries -- The Paraiyans: from socio economic upliftment to entry into politics -- The making of adi dravida politics in Tamil Nadu -- Political groupism and fractured Adi Dravida politics in Tamil Nadu
The narrative of this book is built around the historical experiences of the Paraiyans of Tamil Nadu. The author traces the transformation of the Paraiyans from an 'untouchable' and socially despised community to one that came to acquire prominence in the political scene of Tamil Nadu, especially in early twentieth century. Using this framework, the book studies a number of issues: subaltern history, colonial ethnography, agrarian systems, agrarian bondage, land legislations, and the interventions by missionaries and social and political organizations. While delving into the Paraiyan community