The Phenomenology of Silent Blindness: Understanding Caste in India, Part I. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jal, Murzban
• Is Part Of: Critique. Volume 46:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 240
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Silent Blindness -- Caste -- Melancholia -- Hysterical Sublime -- Neurosis-psychosis -- Indian Revolution; Soviet Union -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Europe, Eastern -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Socialism -- Periodicals; Socialisme; Communisme; 4.935; 335.4
• DOI: 10.1080/03017605.2018.1456622
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-7605

Abstract

Abstract : This article is on the 'caste question' in India and how an 'alternative revolution' has to be charted for the Indian revolution. The leitmotiv is that caste only appears as a form of commodity to be produced and distributed in the Indian political market, while the real political economy and culture emanating thereon remains concealed. There is both a silence and blindness in this act of concealment. The Established Left in India has been brought up in a form of Marxism that is devoid of Marx's insights in his Ethnological Notebooks. This has led to a forgetfulness of the caste question and the programme for the annihilation of caste. I call this an act of forgetfulness and an act that comprises both silence and blindness. I christen this 'silent blindness'.