MARGINS WITHIN MARGINS: GENDERED EXCLUSIONS IN CASTE AND RELIGIOUS POLITICAL MOBILISATION IN INDIA

Abstract

This paper explores how gender, caste, and religion function as axes of both discrimination and political mobilisation in India. It critically examines the historical roots of identity-based divisions, particularly under colonial policies, and how they continue to shape political participation, elections, and representation. Focusing on identity-based parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), the study highlights how caste and religion have been mobilised politically in response to systemic discrimination. Despite their inclusive rhetoric, both parties exhibit patriarchal structures, limiting women's leadership and participation. The paper analyses the roles of Dalit and Muslim women within these parties and broader movements, such as Dalit women’s activism and Muslim women’s resistance to both patriarchy and state exclusion. It argues for an intersectional approach to fully understand the layered inequalities within identity politics in India.