Dalit Studies: Key Terms and Concepts
Edited by Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar
Routledge, 2026
About the Book
This volume offers a critical engagement with nearly fifty foundational terms and concepts that have shaped—and continue to shape—the field of Dalit Studies. Bringing together 47 chapters by 30 scholars, the book traces the genealogy of key ideas, situates them within literary, cultural, and socio-political contexts, and examines their contemporary significance. Interdisciplinary in approach, the volume integrates historical, textual, and discourse analysis to illuminate concepts that are frequently invoked but rarely examined in depth. Conceived as a reference work for an evolving field, it provides a conceptual map of Dalit Studies for students and researchers in literary and cultural theory, social theory, and South Asian studies.
Accessing the Book
The book is available in paperback, hardback, and eBook formats. Place your order via:
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Routledge (Free standard global shipping across all orders)
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Taylor & Francis (eBook, including purchase options for individual chapters)
Related Events
Book Discussion Series: Session II
The Session II of the book discussion series on Dalit Studies: Key Terms and Concepts will be held online on 29 May 2026 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (IST). The event features two keynote speakers: Dr Gourhari Behera, Professor of English, DDU Gorakhur University and Dr Rajesh Karankal, Associate Professor of English, University of Mumbai. Contributor-Speakers for this session are: Dr Sruti MD, Assistant Professor of English, Shiv Nadar University, Chennai; Rishi R Gune, PhD Candidate in Culture and Theory, the University of California, USA; Jyoti Biswas, Assistant Professor of English, Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls's College, Kolkata; and Subhayu Bhattacharjee, Assistant Professor of English, Mirik College, Darjeeling. The session will be moderated by Dr Mahitosh Mandal and Dr Sanjiv Kondekar. Register here for to attend the event.
The Hitavada Publishes a Story on the Release of the Book
The Hitavada, one of Central India’s oldest English dailies, published a report on the release of the book Dalit Studies: Key Terms and Concepts at Deekshabhoomi in its Nagpur City Line edition dated 29 April 2026. The report highlights the significance and contemporary relevance of the book in the field of Dalit Studies. The story can be read here.
South Asia Edition Now Available
Routledge published the South Asia edition of the book in May 2026 to make it more affordable for readers across the Indian subcontinent. This edition is available for sale in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. If you are based in India, you can order the book here.
Book Featured on My Dalitality
Dr Suraj Yengde has featured the book on his blog My Dalitality, significantly enhancing its visibility and outreach. Click here to read the blog.
Book Included in the References list on Critical Caste Studies
Dr Gajendran Ayyathurai has included the volume in the references section of his much valuable website on Critical Caste Studies. Click here to view the references section.
Book Unboxing by Dr Sanjiv Kondekar
Dr Sanjiv Kondekar introduces the volume while unboxing the complimentary copies received from Routledge. Click here to watch the video.
Book Launched on Ambedkar Jayanti at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur
On 14 April 2026, marking the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, Dalit Studies: Key Terms and Concepts (Routledge) was launched at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur. The event was anchored by Dr. Sanjiv Kondekar (co-editor), with the book released by Dr. Sanjay Palwekar (Head, English & Cultural Studies, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University). Contributor Dr. Amit Titare was also present. The event situates Dalit Studies within an intellectual tradition aligned with Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. Video Courtesy: Mohan Wankhede. Click here to watch the video.
Book Discussion Series: Inaugural Session
The inaugural session was held on 14 April 2026 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (IST). The event was chaired by the eminent linguist Professor Probal Dasgupta, with the keynote address delivered by Dr Kalyani Vallath. The contributor-speakers for the session were Dhanesh Mankulam, Anubha Aushree, Priyanka Choudhary, Sanjeev Vishwakarma, and Damayanti Das. The event was moderated by Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar. It was hosted by Lokayat Prakashan, Maharashtra. Click here to watch the full video.
