MAHAD has an iconic place in Dalit universe. Associated with legendary personality of Dr Ambedkar, the struggle of Dalits at Mahad for asserting their rights to access the public tank, the Chavadar tank, arguably ranks among the first civil rights struggles in history. Unfortunately, it remained largely confined to folklore; its detailed account still remaining fragmented and in mostly Marathi. This book provides a comprehensive account, using many sources including the archival materials, of the two conferences in Mahad in 1927 that marks the beginning of the Dalit movement under Babasaheb Ambedkar to a wider readership in English. It tries to frame it within its historical context which will help people comprehend its historical significance. It also seeks to draw certain lessons for the future course of the Dalit movement. The book additionally contains the original account of Comrade R. B. MORE, the organizer of the first conference at Mahad.
Preface
1. Introduction: The Importance of Mahad
2. The Run-Up to Mahad
3. A Muted Manifesto: The Bahishkrut Conference: 19-20 March 1927
4. The Silenced Salvos: Satyagraha Conference, 25-27 December, 1927
5. The Satyagraha of Chavadar Tank
6. Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reflecting on Mahad
Appendix
1. Resolutions Passed in the Conference
2. Order of the Sub-Judge Vaidya Granting Injunction
3. Communication to the Untouchables
4. The Original Pamphlet
5. Formal Programme of the Satyagraha Conference
6. Resolutions of the Satyagraha Conference
7. Final Order of the Bombay High Court
8. Bio-sketches of Some Prominent Heroes of Mahad
Biography
Anand Teltumbde is a writer, civil rights activist and theoretician of peoples’ movement. He has authored 18 books and many papers/pamphlets on contemporary issues. Trained in Technology and Management he held top management positions in corporate world. He currently teaches Business Management in IIT, Kharagpur.
