Indian-American historian Shailaja Paik has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant for her transformative work in Dalit studies, particularly focusing on the intersection of caste, gender, and sexuality. Paik, currently a professor at the University of Cincinnati, has been recognized for her groundbreaking research, earning an $800,000 fellowship spread over five years, which will allow her to further explore the enduring discrimination faced by Dalit women in India.
A Pioneer in Dalit Studies
Shailaja Paik’s work stands out for its focus on the multifaceted experiences of Dalit women, a group that has historically been marginalized not only by their caste but also by gender discrimination. Her research sheds light on the complex ways caste hierarchies, gender roles, and societal expectations intertwine to deny Dalit women dignity and personhood. The MacArthur Foundation acknowledged Paik’s unique contributions, stating that her work provides fresh insights into how caste and gender have historically been used to reinforce oppression in India.
Paik’s scholarship is particularly notable for its emphasis on Dalit women performers of Tamasha, a folk theatre form rooted in Maharashtra. Her recent book, The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India, delves into how these women, despite state efforts to reframe the art as respectable, continue to face social stigma due to their caste and gender. Paik traces how caste-based exploitation continues to pervade cultural expressions like Tamasha, reinforcing societal prejudices.
Breaking Barriers in Academia
Paik’s journey is as inspiring as her academic achievements. Growing up in a Dalit family in Pune, India, she defied social and economic challenges, driven by her father’s commitment to education. After completing her master’s degree at Savitribai Phule University in Pune, Paik pursued a PhD at the University of Warwick, UK. Over the years, she has held teaching positions at prestigious institutions, including Yale University, and built a remarkable body of work that centers Dalit perspectives.
Her first book, Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India: Double Discrimination, explores the struggle for education and agency among Dalit women during colonial and post-colonial times. By drawing on oral histories and archival research, Paik offers a nuanced view of how Dalit women navigate a society that restricts their educational and professional opportunities.
The Genius Grant: An Opportunity for Further Exploration
The MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the “Genius Grant,” is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity in their field. It provides recipients with $800,000 in funding with no strings attached, allowing them to continue their work and further their research without the constraints of typical grant applications. The award is not just an acknowledgment of past achievements but an investment in the fellow’s future potential.
Paik’s recognition as a MacArthur Fellow is a significant milestone, not only for her but also for Dalit studies as a field of academic inquiry. By shining a spotlight on the caste-based challenges that continue to affect millions in India, Paik’s work is contributing to a broader understanding of social justice and human rights. The fellowship will enable her to continue her research and expand her exploration of how caste, gender, and sexuality intersect to create unique forms of marginalization.
Expanding Horizons in Dalit and Gender Studies
With her extensive research on Dalit women, Paik is helping to fill a critical gap in the understanding of marginalized communities. Her work emphasizes how historical and contemporary structures of power continue to shape the lives of Dalit women, making her research not only academically significant but also socially relevant. The recognition by the MacArthur Foundation underscores the importance of amplifying voices that have been historically silenced and opens new doors for scholarly work on caste and gender oppression.
Shailaja Paik’s MacArthur “Genius” Grant is a powerful testament to her remarkable contributions to Dalit studies. By focusing on the lived experiences of Dalit women, Paik is challenging entrenched social hierarchies and contributing to a more inclusive understanding of India’s complex social landscape. As she continues her work, supported by this prestigious fellowship, Paik is poised to bring even more groundbreaking insights to the global conversation on caste, gender, and human rights.
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