DOI: 10.1177/2455328x241239106 ISSN: 2455-328X

Construction and Consolidation of Caste System Through Ideological State Apparatuses: A Study of Girish Karnad’s Talé-Dan˙d˙a

Ruchi Singh, Gibu Sabu M.
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Anthropology
  • Cultural Studies

This article critically examines Girish Karnad’s play Talé-Dan˙d˙a as a lens through which the construction and consolidation of the caste system in India is explored. The study focuses on the utilization of ideological state apparatuses (ISA) by the ‘upper-caste’ to suppress attempts at social reform and the creation of a casteless society. By analysing the characters and their interactions within the play, the article argues that repressive and non-violent state apparatuses, such as religion, family, identity formation and language are employed to perpetuate caste-based discrimination and maintain the existing social hierarchy. Drawing on Louis Althusser’s concept of ideological and repressive state apparatuses, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of how these apparatuses are instrumental in preserving caste-based inequalities and solidification of the caste system.

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