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Ramcharitmanas against Dalits and OBCs: Swami Prasad Maurya

SP leaders remarks come in the wake of similar comments made by Bihar education minister Chandra Shekhar Yadav who called it demeaning for lower castes.

By Justice Mirror Staff
Swami Prasad Maurya
Swami Prasad Maurya

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Former minister and OBC leader Swami Prasad Maurya on Sunday claimed that the famous Brahmanical text Ramcharitmanas is against Bahujans i.e. Dalits, Backward Classes and Tribals, etc as it contains several “objectionable verses pointing out that it was written by a Brahmin called Rambola Dubey also known as Tulsidas, reported the Indian Express.

“This is not true that crores of people read it. It was written by Tulsidas [Rambola Dubey] for his own happiness. But why abuse in the name of religion? Abuses to Backwards, Dalits and tribals. I respect all religions. But if in the name of religion, a community or caste is humiliated, then it is objectionable”, said Maurya while speaking to a major news channel.

The SP leader even called for banning the book from public discourse asking backward classes to boycott it, reported Aaj Tak.

Several Brahmins and upper caste leaders from the ruling BJP reacted strongly to Maurya’s remarks.

“When Swami Prasad Maurya was in the BJP, we never heard such statements from him. Since he has been in the SP, he has started disrespecting Hindus which is part of the SP’s agenda. He is opposing the Ramcharitmanas to divide society….The SP will have to face the consequences for this,” said BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi.

SP leader’s statement comes days after Bihar Education Minister Chandrashekhar Yadav made similar remarks against Ramcharitmanas while equating it with Manusmriti and calling it against lower castes.

He even cited Ram Manohar Lohia to argue that portions of scriptures have become obsolete with time and need to be rejected.

After much criticism, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav moderated his stance saying that “the party respects all religions and holds the Constitution supreme”.

In Maurya’s case, Samajwadi Party is yet to respond with a formal statement.

However, when SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav was shown black flag by Brahmanical groups over Maurya’s remarks, he seemed to endorse his collegue’s statement when he told media-

“BJP people consider Dalits as Shudra. They consider us backwards and Dalits as Shudras (untouchable)”, said Akhilesh Yadav, reported the Hindu.

What is Ramcharitmanas?

Ramcharitmanas, is an epic poem-cum-hagiography of Lord Rama in Awadhi language. It was written by the poet-saint Rambola Dubey also known as Tulsidas, a Brahmin, in the 16th century.

Roughly based on the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, Ramcharitmanas is considered one of the greatest works of Awadhi literature.

However, like all ancient Hindu-Brahmanical texts, Ramcharitmanas has faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some of the criticisms include:

  • Reinforcement of casteism: Critics argue that Ramcharitmanas reinforces the caste system and the idea of caste-based hierarchy. This has led to criticism from those who view the caste system as unjust and oppressive.
  • Justification of caste-based discrimination: The poem portrays certain castes as superior to others, which has led to criticism that it justifies caste-based discrimination and reinforces negative stereotypes about certain castes.
  • Lack of representation of lower castes: Ramcharitmanas primarily focuses on the lives and actions of characters from the higher castes, leading to criticism that it does not adequately represent the experiences of lower-caste individuals.
  • Misogynistic portrayal of women: Some scholars have criticized the poem for its portrayal of women as submissive and inferior to men.
  • Historical inaccuracies: Ramcharitmanas is considered a retelling of the Hindu epic Ramayana, but it deviates from the original story in many ways, leading to criticism about its historical accuracy.
  • Religious biases: The poem is written from a Hindu-Brahmin perspective and portrays only Hindu gods and beliefs in a positive light while demeaning other Indian philosophical traditions like Shramanism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc.

It is important to note that while Ramcharitmanas is a product of its time and reflects the social and cultural norms of the 16th century, its depiction of the caste system has been criticized for perpetuating oppressive and discriminatory attitudes towards certain castes.

Also Read: Ambedkar’s views on Lord Rama: Excerpts from Riddles of Hinduism

Allegedly Controversial Verses

Recently, Bihar education minister Chandrashekhar Yadav quoted folloing verse of Ramcharitmanas as being against Bahujan classes.

हर कहुँ हरि सेवक गुर कहेऊ। सुनि खगनाथ हृदय मम दहेऊ॥ अधम जाति मैं बिद्या पाएँ। भयउँ जथा अहि दूध पिआएँ॥3॥ (Uttar Kand)

As per education minister, the abover verse means “people from “Adham Jati” (lower castes) could be as dangerous as snakes after receiving education”.

“This is the reason why people burnt Manusmriti and took exception to a portion of Ramcharitmanas, which talks against education for Dalits, backwards and women,” said Mr Chandrashekhar.

“Manusmriti, Ramcharitmanas, Bunch of Thoughts by saffron ideologue Guru Golwalkar spread hatred. Love, not hatred, makes the country great,” he added further.

Critics of Ramcharitmanas often cite another oft-quoted verse from the book that allegedly justifies the beating of drum, fools, lower-castes, animals and women.

ढोल गवांर शूद्र पशु नारी, सकल ताड़ना के अधिकारी

While literal translation means of the above verse justifies the flogging or beating of drums, fools, shudra (serving classes), animals, and women, learned Brahmanical scholars argue that the word “Taadna” does not mean flogging or beating but taking “Speical Care, Attention and keeping them under benevolent watch“.

Also Read| Does Bhagavad Gita endorse Caste System?

Ramcharitmanas Row: New Developments

Days after giving the controversial statement on Hindu-Brahmanical scripture Ramcharitmanas, Swami Prasad Maurya on Wednesday reiterated his statements.

Talking to Aaj Tak, the prominent backward class leader said “If all the tribals, Dalits, backward, and women stop going to the temples, [Brahmanical business] in name of religion and offerings will stop“.

Former Minister also called for annihilation of such a religion that wants subjugation and annihilation of Bahujan-backward classes of the nation.

Seemingly angry over the controversy, Maurya reiterated his call for boyctt and banning of Ramcharitmanas, in a conversation with UP Tak.

Meanwhile several FIRs have been filed against Maurya by various Hindu-Brahmanical groups across the country.

A prominent Lucknow temple even put up a poster prohibiting the entry of Maurya in the temple, reported OpIndia.

It should be noted that Maurya’s statement echos Ambedkarite and subaltern opinions who hold Hindu-Brahmanism responsible for their age long sufferings and caste-based oppressions.

Also Read| 22 Vows of Ambedkar on Hinduism and Buddhism

They consider us Low Born: Akhilesh Yadav

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday faced intense protest by Hindu-Brahmanical groups over Swami Prasad Maurya’s Ramcharitmanas remarks as he visited a temple in Lucknow.

Visibly upset over beign shown black flag, he told media that the protests had a caste angle.

“BJP people consider Dalits as Shudra. They consider us backwards and Dalits as Shudras (low born & untouchable)” said Akhilesh as reported by the Hindu.

Mr. Yadav also reportedly met Maurya at party headquarters where he was asked to take forward the issue of caste census.

However, Akhilesh Yadav has been critcised for not being an ardent supporter of social-justice politics.

Like his predecessors Mulayam Singh (father) and Mayawati, he has also been accused of political opportunism and petty power-politics devoid of any real Bahujan ideological commitment.

Also Read| Akhilesh Yadav criticised for ultra-Luxurious Lifestyle

Ramcharitmanas Row a Divisive Politics: Mayawati

BSP chief Mayawati on Monday said the raging row over the Ramcharitmanas showed the BJP and the SP were colluding to polarise elections, reported the Hindu on Tuesday (Jan 31 2023).

It should be noted Mayawati herself has been vocal critic of Brahmanism and caste sysetm since the onset of her political career.

She has spoken out against the caste system on numerous occasions, arguing that it is a major hindrance to the development and progress of India.

She has called for a casteless society and has advocated for the elimination of the caste system and its associated prejudices and discrimination.

In her political speeches and statements, Mayawati has emphasized the importance of equality and social justice for all individuals, regardless of their caste or other social status.

She has also called for increased representation and empowerment of the Dalit community and other marginalized groups in Indian society.

However, she has also been criticized for diluting her Bahujan idelogy multiple times to remain in power.

Caste Created by Brahmins not God: Mohan Bhagwat

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday (6 February 2023) faced ire of Brahmanical groups by claiming that Caste System was created by Pandits (Brahmins) and not by God who created everyone equal and everyone is equal before him.

RSS is a prominent Hindu-Brahmanical organisation of India accused by Bahujan leaders of perpetuating Brahmanical hegemny under the guise of ethno-cultural nationalism.

Speaking on the occassion of Sant Guru Ravidas Jayanti on Feb 5, 2023, RSS Chief said: “Based on scriptures, what the Pandits say is a lie. By getting entangled in this imagination of superior and inferior castes, we have lost our way. This delusion has to be done away with.” as reported by Indian Express.

Reacting the Bhagwat’s statement, Swami Prasad Maurya tweeted-

“By saying that the caste system was created by pundits (Brahmins), RSS chief Bhagwat has exposed the so-called contractors of religion and frauds who abuse women, tribals, Dalits and the backward in the guise of religion. Come forward at least now to remove objectionable comments in Ramcharitmanas,” said Maurya.

Others invoked Dr. Ambedkar’s call for discarding all Hindu-Brahmanical scriptures promoting caste system to create a truly casteless society as envisaged by the Indian constitution.

While Bhagwat’s statement was welcomed by Bahujan leaders for acknowledging the realty of caste system, he faced huge backlash on social media sites from Brahmancial groups who accused him of defaming and insulting Brahmins.

Some even cited verses from Hindu scriptures to prove that caste system was created by God and not by Brahmins.

There were some parodical reactions as well with people making fun of caste and religion based divisive politics.

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