| Summary: |
Religion is a significant component in the Dalits' life-experience and occupies a prominent place also in their struggle to achieve recognition within civil and political society. The 'religion of the subalterns' - defined also as 'common sense' and 'philosophy of the masses' - is a prominent Gramscian theme. In this paper, following a brief note on the general condition of the Dalits and their effort to affirm themselves as political subjects, I will discuss and compare the writings and activity of Gramsci and Ambedkar, the Indian leader of ex-Untouchables, highlighting their commitment in favour of Subalterns/Dalitis. This inquiry will shed some light on the following research questions: 1) Why are Dalits a prototype of Gramscian subalternity? 2)Why is religion relevant for subalterns and for Gramsci? 3) What is the connection between religion and civil-political society for both the subalterns/Dalits and for Gramsci?
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